Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to generate significant trade interest across the NBA despite concerns about superstar contracts under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The two-time MVP is universally regarded as a top-five player still in his prime. While the new CBA has caused teams to reconsider long-term commitments to aging stars, Antetokounmpo represents an exception to the trend and is in contrast to the current perspective on the trade value of Anthony Davis.
“I don’t think you’d see 29 teams make an offer like if, say, Victor [Wembanyama] was available, but there would be plenty of interest and probably two to three teams would be willing to go all-in right now,” an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN.
An assistant coach added perspective on Antetokounmpo’s value.
“I’m sure the front office would have pros and cons and all that,” the coach said. “But if you’re asking me, I’d want him on my team in less than a second. He plays hard every night and clearly wants to win and can be unstoppable. This is the kind of player you need to win it all.”
Antetokounmpo could sign a four-year extension worth $275 million next summer, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. The deal would carry him through his age-37 season.
“You are going to gulp and do it,” an East executive said. “But you have to be good enough where the beginning of the deal is worth it, because you are baking in the back end.”
One of the main questions for the Bucks will be whether Antetokounmpo will be amenable to going to a team with multiple tradeable first round picks, of if their return will be centered more around current players.