Possible Trade
Owen Murphy
| 09-10-2023
· Entertainment Team
In a recent report by American media outlet FW, an NBA executive shared insights during an interview with Heavy's Sean Deveney.
According to this executive, the Lakers' best shot at acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo would involve trading away Anthony Davis.
There's growing speculation that the Lakers could be a potential landing spot for Antetokounmpo in the future. Giannis Antetokounmpo himself has expressed his desire to not spend two decades with the Milwaukee Bucks without securing another championship.
This opens up an intriguing possibility for the Lakers to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls have also emerged as a potential contender for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He already boasts an NBA championship and regular season MVP award, and the allure of playing for one of the greatest teams in NBA history may entice him.
Antetokounmpo could be chasing the chance to follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan as the Bulls' next superstar. However, it's crucial to note that Antetokounmpo's contract with the Bucks doesn't expire until the 2025 offseason.
This presents a challenge for the current Bulls, as they may lack the necessary assets to facilitate a trade for him. Not even players like DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević, or Zachary LaVine would likely be enough to sway the deal in their favor.
So, who else in the league could realistically pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo?
LeBron James, due to his age, is no longer a feasible trade candidate. This leaves two potential choices: a healthy Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis.
In the past, an NBA analyst proposed a significant trade scenario involving the Lakers sending Anthony Davis to the Bucks in exchange for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Moreover, an NBA executive, in conversation with Heavy's Sean Deveney, revealed that Anthony Davis had previously expressed openness to a move to the Milwaukee Bucks.
This raises questions about why Davis would consider such a shift instead of committing to a long-term Lakers career.
In addition to these considerations, the anonymous NBA executive noted that, as a Chicago native, Davis had once shown interest in joining the Milwaukee Bucks.
The executive went on to assert that, in optimal health, Davis not only closely trails Giannis Antetokounmpo but is a contender to surpass him, as some within the league contend.
With a championship and regular season MVP under his belt, Giannis Antetokounmpo may be seeking a larger market to bolster his exposure and business ventures. Los Angeles stands out as a prime metropolis in this regard.
Furthermore, his playing style and skill set bear a resemblance to a young LeBron James. This similarity could potentially position him as James' successor and the new leader of the Lakers, further boosting his appeal to the team.