Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press
The rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s free agency have increased with the Milwaukee Bucks falling 2-0 to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill reported that it was an “open secret” in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida that the Heat and Toronto Raptors top the list to become reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year when free agent in will 2021.
The Bucks haven’t found any answers to Miami’s defensive schedule and look just as lost as they did a year ago when the Toronto Raptors used similar tactics in the conference finale. Antetokounmpo is disappointed and looks confused when the teams try to keep him away from the color in half-field sets.
Giannis has consistently upheld a desire to stay in Milwaukee. He’ll get a chance to prove it this off-season when the bucks offer him a Supermax expansion. If Antetokounmpo refuses to sign the contract, it is an indication that he is open to exploring the free hand. From this point on, the bucks need to think seriously about trading it.
The Supermax could also be less tempting if the cap is expected to drop due to financial losses from COVID-19. It’s a complicated situation that will play out in the rumor mill until Giannis gives a clue about how to deal with his future.
The Heat has been regularly linked with freelance agents since its LeBron James-Chris Bosh coup in 2010. The Raptors have historically attracted and nurtured non-American talent, and Toronto has a strong Greek population that could sway the Greek freak.
