In the next few years, Giannis Antetokounmpo could leave the Milwaukee Bucks, something that previously seemed unthinkable.
He hinted that he may do so in a recent New York Times article where he said he will not sign a contract extension unless he is confident the Bucks will be championship contenders in the years to come.
All of a sudden, it sparked speculation about where he may go, and the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks were mentioned by Marc Stein as possible destinations.
It wasn’t surprising to see the Lakers and Knicks mentioned, as they’re often linked to a number of stars who may want to change teams.
But, according to insider Sean Deveney, one executive mentioned the Toronto Raptors as a possible destination, as well as two surprising small-market teams: the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
REPORT: NBA executive believes “no one would be in a better position to get [Giannis] than OKC… and two other dark horses: San Antonio and Toronto.”
(via @SeanDeveney, https://t.co/loSTthf6b5) pic.twitter.com/W1RmGiTNOP
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 29, 2023
The Raptors have some intriguing young players, including Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Scottie Barnes, and Antetokounmpo could make them title contenders once again.
The Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the more underrated stars in the NBA, as well as incoming rookie big man Chet Holmgren and a truckload of future first-round draft picks, which could make them a superstar away from contention within a couple of years.
San Antonio would be an intriguing possibility thanks to the arrival of 7-foot-3 phenom Victor Wembanyama, who many feel has the potential to be in the discussion for being the best player in the world within a few years.
If he pans out, he and Antetokounmpo would make quite an interesting superstar duo for a franchise that has won five world championships.
