Antetokounmpo s deal triggered the NBA! Major giants competed wildly, who will eventually fall?

Antetokounmpo is about to leave? Recently, fans and teams have been hotly discussing the same name: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP winner and the championship core is facing an unprecedented trading storm. The Bucks' bad start of 1 win or 5 losses this season, coupled with the frequent "reconstruction" signals from management, make Antetokounmpo's future full of uncertainty. The three giant teams have begun to actively compete, and even dark horses like the Thunder are eyeing them. The result of this battle may directly affect the NBA landscape next season.

The Bucks' dilemma and Antetokounmpo's "loyalty crisis"

In 2023, Antetokounmpo announced a high-profile renewal of $186 million in advance with the Bucks for three years, promising to "one person, one city". However, two years have passed, and this promise has become a joke - the team's core has become aging, the lineup is insufficient, and it is even dubbed by fans as the "bottom-of-the-east nursing home." Although Antetokounmpo contributes an astonishing data of 30+10+5 per game, it cannot lead a team with a winning rate of less than 20%. What is even more heartbreaking is that Milwaukee, a small-market team, has limited commercial value, and Antetokounmpo's jersey sales are even less than rookie Morant.

All this makes the word "loyalty" in danger. Antetokounmpo once publicly stated: "My goal is to win. If I can't do it here, I will consider other options." This sentence became the fuse of trading rumors.

The three giants compete for: Who is most likely to get Antetokounmpo?

1. Knicks:

Knicks' plans are the most active! They took Towns as the core and cooperated with multiple first-round picks to strive to win Antetokounmpo. New York's motivation is very clear:

- Market temptation: As the largest city in the United States, New York can help Antetokounmpo's business income double, and advertising endorsement opportunities continue.

- That is, the combat power is improved: the three giants formed by Brunson, Anunobi and Antetokounmpo have greatly increased their strength on both offense and defense.

- Thibodeau's "superstar dependence": Although the coach is known for "reusing the main force", Antetokounmpo's physical fitness may be able to bear this burden.

However, the Knicks' bargaining chips were questioned for "insufficient sincerity" - in order to get Towns and Bridges, they almost hollowed out their assets. If they want to pursue Antetokounmpo, they may have to pay for the first round of picks in the next 10 years.

2. Rockets:

Trading Plan: The Rockets proposed a "four for one" plan, sending out Shen Jing, Van Vreet, the 2025 Suns first round pick and the 2027 Nets first round pick. In addition, they can also provide young players such as Jaylen Green, Jabbarry Smith Jr., Whitmore and multiple draft picks.

- Advantage: The Rockets are the second strong team in the West, with the potential to win the championship, and are located in Texas without state taxes, which can save Antetokounmpo a lot of salary expenses (about 4.5% of state taxes). Their extensive young players and draft pick resources are also in line with the Bucks' reconstruction needs.

- Challenge: The existing lineup needs to be adjusted to fit Antetokounmpo's style, such as Shin Kyung's departure may affect the depth of the inside.

3. Warriors:

Potential plan: Send Butler, Kumingga and draft picks.

- Advantages: Curry's peak period overlap with Antetokounmpo can win the championship in the short term; San Francisco's business resources are also very rich.

- Challenge: The Warriors have relatively insufficient future draft picks.

In addition to the three hottest people, Thunder was named by an Eastern Conference executive: "If the Bucks want to maximize their returns, they should look for Thunder!". The Thunder, who holds multiple first-round picks, can directly knock the Bucks out of the "draft tsunami". If Antetokounmpo joins, he will instantly transform into a championship team with Alexander and Homgren.

But for the Bucks, trading Antetokounmpo means a complete rebuild. They must weigh: Should the Knicks’ immediate combat power + draft pick, or the Thunder’s pure talent reserve? Or grit your teeth and leave Antetokounmpo.