It’s not a secret that the Miami Heat are one of the teams interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo. The reigning NBA MVP is drawing more and more attention from plenty of organizations, but he’s made it clear over and over that he wants to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks as long as possible. However, rumors suggesting Giannis might leave Milwaukee see the light every day.
It always comes down to what question: how long he can be there without winning a championship? The Bucks are having a terrific season this one, having the best record in the league before the suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak. This year they are seen as one of the favorites to win it all alongside the Lakers and Clippers and some believe playing in the Finals will be enough for Giannis to remain with the Bucks.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, seeing how the Bucks fare over the next two seasons will play a major role in Antetokounmpo’s decision of staying or leaving.
“Milwaukee is still considered likely to keep Antetokounmpo long term, but insiders cited the potential of the salary cap dropping both this offseason and in future years as a reason Giannis might take a wait-and-see approach,” Bontemps wrote. “Still, the overriding belief is that whatever happens on the court will play the biggest role in his decision.”
People consider that a lot of things can change between seasons and that gives a big opportunity to any team trying to land the Greek Freak, either it’s the Heat, the Golden State Warriors or any other franchise.
“I always have said: Ask me once he has to make a decision,” one Eastern Conference scout said. “It all comes down to timing. So many things can change.
“If they win it all, if they come through this and do that? There’s no way he’s leaving.”
Miami is currently 4th in the Eastern Conference. They didn’t have many expectations entering this season, but Jimmy Butler along with young faces like Bam Adebayo, Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro have lifted this team to be one of the most interesting in the NBA. Adding Giannis to this core would put Miami atop the contenders’ list.
