Pelicans Monitoring Former MVP, NBA Champion's Situation

New Orleans, LA - As the New Orleans Pelicans season is about to tip-off, the team is closely monitoring the unfolding saga in Milwaukee. Bucks superstar, Giannis Antetokoumpo, was a guest on the 48 Minutes Podcast. The former NBA MVP spoke about his future with the franchise.

"At the end of the day, I am a winner. I want to be a winner. Contracts, fame, status, and comfort zone does not matter to me. What matters at the end of the day is that thing right there (pointing to the NBA championship trophy). That's what matters."

Giannis' response came amid earlier comments about wanting to see the franchise show a renewed commitment to winning. His current contract runs through the 2025 season, but his wait-and-see approach to an extension has the entire NBA on notice, including the Pelicans.

Giannis' impact as an MVP and NBA Finals MVP cannot be understated. All 30 NBA teams would salivate at the chance to have Greek Freak on their roster. Strong data analysis from betting ladies show the immediate impact he would make on any NBA team.

New Orleans's interest resides in the draft compensation the Bucks owe the Pelicans through the Jrue Holiday trade in 2020. New Orleans owns four first-round picks from Milwaukee starting in 2024. Two picks are swap-eligible, depending on the Bucks finishing with a worse record than New Orleans in 2024 or 2026. If Giannis demands a trade from Milwaukee anytime soon, the Pelicans could be looking at high draft picks for themselves.

Giannis is one of many Bucks stars with an uncertain future. Former Pelican Jrue Holiday spoke on Andre Iguodala's Podcast about his likelihood of retiring after his contract expires with the Bucks. His contract currently ends after the 2024-2025 season. Giannis no doubt wants clarity and direction before committing to more years with Milwaukee.

New Orleans has a treasure trove of first-round picks in the upcoming year. The future is bright for a team with a talented roster now, but there are ways to upgrade talent through the draft or use those picks to acquire current NBA talent. How the New Orleans franchise utilizes its draft picks determines their ability to win a championship.