- Giannis Antetokounmpo is using the same strategy with the Bucks as Kobe Bryant did with the Lakers in 2007
- Gilbert Arenas thinks trading for Damian Lillard will solve the trouble for the Bucks
- Antetokounmpo has been linked to multiple teams, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are coming on the heels of a poor run in the 2023 playoffs. They were the No. 1 seeded team in the Eastern Conference but were eliminated in five games by the Miami Heat in the opening round of the postseason.
Keeping that in mind, rumors have emerged about the future of the Greek Freak with the Bucks. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas believes Giannis Antetokounmpo has been using Kobe Bryant’s strategy from 2007 to get his way with the organization.
“He’s doing what Kobe did,” Arenas said. “‘What are we doing? Are we on the same page before I sign this thing, what are we doing here? I don’t want to be Allen Iverson! I don’t want to be Charles Barkley! Even though I got a ring, I want to win multiple because that’s what the legacy is built on.
He added: “So, before I sign, we need to all sit down and make sure we’re all going in the same direction!’ And, people don’t understand that when Kobe signed his extension and then they got rid of the team, that’s when he said in 2007, ‘I want a trade!'”
Giannis is doing what Kobe did 🤷🏾♂️🔥
The Bucks better figure it out with Giannis 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/7W74UqAIkE
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) August 29, 2023
Kobe Bryant famously requested a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007. At the time, the Lakers finished the 2006-07 season with a 42-40 record. The Purple and Gold were eliminated in the First Round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns in five games.
Bryant made it abundantly clear that he wanted to be traded and the Chicago Bulls emerged as potential suitors for him. However, the Mamba eventually ended up staying with the Lakers. The Lakers trading for Pau Gasol changed Kobe Bryant’s mind.
One trade did wonders for the team, as the Lakers had a 57-25 record in the 2007-08 season. The Lakers advanced to the 2008 NBA Finals, only to lose to the Boston Celtics in six games.
However, the Lakers did win back-to-back NBA Championships in 2009 and 2010. In hindsight, Kobe’s trade request ultimately helped him in getting a better team around him.
Gilbert Arenas Suggests The Bucks Trade For Damian Lillard To Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo Happy
Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier mentioned he may not re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks if everyone’s not on the same page. Evidently, he’s dropping hints for the front office to improve the roster around him.
But what’s the best way to do that? Well, Gilbert Arenas believes trading for Damian Lillard will get the job done for the Bucks.
You are gonna basically add Jrue and Middleton in the package for whoever,” Arenas said. “Now, whoever, let’s say they do that for Dame. Is Dame and Giannis good enough to win the Championship? Your number two and your number three, like unless you get two pieces back, that can really.”
Would Giannis and Dame be good enough to win a title? pic.twitter.com/giEjhUxR9a
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) August 29, 2023
Damian Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this summer. While Lillard has mentioned a couple of times that he wants to join the Miami Heat, getting traded to the Milwaukee Bucks wouldn’t be a bad decision.
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over 58 games in the 2022-23 season. So trading for the 33-year-old can prove to be extremely beneficial for the Bucks.
When Can Giannis Antetokounmpo Extend His Contract With The Milwaukee Bucks?
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s current 5-year, $228 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks will last until the end of the 2025-26 NBA season if he opts into his player option.
The 28-year-old is guaranteed to be under contract with the Bucks until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season either way. He can sign a contract extension with the Bucks in the summer of 2024.
But Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to spend 20 years with the Bucks if he cannot win another championship. Either way, the Bucks can offer Giannis a 3-year, $173 million extension beginning September 22, 2023.
Otherwise, Antetokounmpo is gauging interest from teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.
Giannis averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in the 2022-23 season. He remains one of the best players in the league heading into the 2023-24 season.
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