Recent rumors from CBS Sports suggest that the Nets would be a preferred team for Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo if he was traded. If a Giannis trade happens it would likely occur in the offseason. This timeline makes the possibility of a Nets Giannis trade more intriguing. It will be interesting to see if the Nets will pursue Giannis, a superstar player with a hefty contract, or continue rebuilding around their current roster. Let’s dive into a possible Giannis Nets trade.
CBS Sports reports that the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets are at the top of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wishlist should he ask out from Milwaukee:
“I’m told Giannis (Antetokounmpo) has already let some people know that places he’s eyeing are Miami and New York, the other New York,… https://t.co/E31yaLFFC4
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) October 31, 2024
Will The Brooklyn Nets Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Why Giannis Might be Traded
Giannis Antetokounmpo, in the 12th year of his career, is facing challenging times. In the past two seasons, the Bucks have been bounced out of the first round of the playoffs. In the past two seasons, he has dealt with three different coaches and injuries. Khris Middleton’s constant injuries have been a major issue. Similarly, he has never developed on-court chemistry with Damian Lillard.
According to CBS Sports, an Eastern Conference NBA executive has already heard the places believed to be Giannis’ would-be preferred destinations.
“The teams I’ve heard are Miami and New York — the Nets, not the Knicks.”
This report comes after the Bucks started the season 1-4 and are currently in 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Nevertheless, Giannis is currently averaging 30.4 points and 11.6 rebounds through the Bucks’ rough start to the season. Based on his responses to reporters, Antetokounmpo is giving mixed messages regarding his intentions with the Bucks. Following a loss to the Nets, he shared his frustration about the Bucks’ lack of ‘identity.’ Yet the next day, after a loss to the Celtics, he said:
“At the end of the day, we have a great team. I believe we will keep on playing better, learning from our mistakes,” Antetokounmpo said. “Eventually, we are going to start winning games. I don’t think we are far off.
Will Giannis be Traded to the Brooklyn Nets?
Antetokounmpo has every right to demand a trade if he decides to go that route. He has spent 12 seasons with the Bucks without any issues surrounding him. If he decides to go the trade route, will the Nets pursue him? Nets forward Cameron Johnson has recently been the subject of trade rumors amid the franchise’s focus on acquiring draft stock. The Nets could package Johnson along with another player and a slew of draft picks to make a reasonable offer for Giannis.
Notably, the Nets are likely to have a top pick in the 2025 draft and are projected to have the most cap space in the league next offseason. They have been linked to Jimmy Butler, suggesting this year might be a one-year reset. While the Nets could be in play for a possible Giannis trade he still needs to request a trade. Furthermore, many teams could make a more enticing offer. Ultimately, for now, the dream of this turning into reality is far away.
