West Contender Emerges as Potential Landing Spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Mar 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Mar 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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The Milwaukee Bucks are on a pursuit of yet another NBA title. The Bucks have as good a shot as anyone to make a deep playoff run this season, and that will be the case if they are healthy. 

The main reason for that is the fact that they have arguably the best player in the world on their side, Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Antetokounmpo, 30, is still at the top of his game and has played 10-plus seasons in Milwaukee. The expectation is that he will spend his entire career in Milwaukee, but that could all change if the Bucks fall short of a title this season, especially if they are an early exit from the playoffs this season.

Antetokounmpo could ask out, or the Bucks' front office could receive a massive trade package that they cannot refuse. 

This offseason could be a big one for the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, so much so that the Western Conference contender team, the Golden State Warriors, could be potential suitors for the two-time NBA MVP. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report listed the Warriors as possible suitors for Antetokounmpo this offseason. 

"Antetokounmpo has fascinated this franchise for years, and he might have reasons to look around if Milwaukee, which has one series win to show for the past three seasons, can't reverse its playoff misfortunes." 

The other players who the Warriors are linked to are Kevin Durant and Bulls' Nikola Vučević. 

There has been some chatter that if the Bucks do not live up to expectations, Antetokounmpo could make his way out of Milwaukee. 

That is far from the reality things stand, but that could quickly change depending on how the rest of this season plays out. 

The Warriors will be in pursuit of lengthening the championship window with Stephen Curry on their side, and it appears they have done that with the addition of Jimmy Butler. 

They ren currently one of the hottest teams in the league, and they may need one more superstar to get them over the hump.

Antetokounmpo could be that player. 

He has had an MVP-type season, averaging 31.0 points per game, 12.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 60.9 percent from the field in 45 games and 34.2 minutes of action. 

A potential duo of Antetokounmpo and Curry would be lethal and be one of the favorites to win the title. 

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For more news and notes on the Milwaukee Bucks, visit Milwaukee Bucks on SI.


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