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After the disappointing losses in Game 1 and Game 2, the Milwaukee Bucks finally clinched a 117-101 win over the Pacers. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s best performance, the Bucks’ struggles were evident. The 2x MVP averaged 35 points and 15 rebounds in the first two playoff games. With that, the chatter about the Greek Freak and the team’s future has already begun. As questions about Antetokounmpo’s loyalty and the team rise, former NBA player Carmelo Anthony has a different opinion.

Antetokounmpo hasn’t officially asked for a trade. However, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes that he might request it given the Bucks’ current roster construction. Insider Shams Charania previously expressed the same concern about the Bucks’ team and Giannis’ mentality to win. Speaking of the same mentality, Melo believes that the Greek Freak might not go to any team that has a rebuilding roster. 

Moreover, he suggested that the addition of Pelicans star Zion Williamson might make a difference by pairing the power forward and center. “Trade for Zion…..I would put Giannis and and Zion at the four or five,” he said on 7PM in Brooklyn. Melo further added, “Understanding Giannis’ mentality he wants to win so he not going to go to no losing. Not a losing situation but a rebuild right. Nah as long as you have Giannis, you got to build around him to compete and win and if you just let that go then you f—– up.”

He further added that, due to the lack of support, Antetokounmpo is left with no choice but to step up his own game to lead. In Game 3, we saw a brilliant change thanks to Doc Rivers. While Antetokounmpo got to be completely himself, playing on both ends, he had help from Gary Trent Jr., who had 37 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Giannis dropped 37 points and 12 rebounds. 

Speaking of Williamson, he has always entertained with his exceptional skills, but that is only when he is healthy. Just a few days ago, Melo had suggested a different destination for the Pelicans star.

Carmelo Anthony wanted to see Zion Williamson with Charlotte Hornets

Earlier in April, Melo had suggested an interesting team for Zion. Amidst the growing rumors of a trade, the Knicks legend believes that the 24-year-old would be a good fit for the Charlotte Hornets. The team has great potential with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams.

And as Melo suggested, it would elevate the team if Williamson were to join the roster. “I would like to see him in Charlotte with LaMelo (Ball) and some other young, exciting players. His value may not be as high as we think it is. You could put pieces together, get another team…the value is not what the masses think it is….Charlotte has to figure out how to put together a winning product, so you got to make a splash. Go make a move for Z,” he had said. 

However, it all comes down to whether the Pelicans are interested in trading the star player away. The Pelicans recently appointed Joe Dumars as the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Some rumors suggested that he was hired with the mandate to trade Williamson. However, moments after he took the position, Dumars made it clear that he received no such mandate.

After the Pelicans ended the season 14th in the Western Conference, with a 21-61 record, the noise has gotten louder than before. It remains to be seen how the Pelicans handle the chaos.