Can you imagine if the Bucks crash out this early in two consecutive seasons? It’s the same matchup for the Milwaukee, as the Pacers await them in round 1, just like last season. That time, star player Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured, and this year, Damian Lillard is on the sidelines. A loss would only intensify the current rumors of the Greek Freak leaving the franchise. Dwyane Wade, who is a player-turned-owner, bluntly stated how the front office should approach this situation.

In the recent episode of his podcast, The WY Network, the Heat icon first stated that Giannis won’t request a trade easily. “He’s been very open about making sure that the Bucks stay very competitive. He’s going to sign back with them. You know he hasn’t shied away from ‘I want to be here but only if y’all going to be competing for another championship.‘” Dwyane Wade is not wrong with this assessment. As the 2x MVP has openly stated about continuing with the Bucks.

“You have to do what’s best for you and your family. You have to do what’s most important to win.” This was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s statement in February after the news of Dallas being interested in acquiring his services. At the time, Bucks quickly denied those calls, which resulted in the Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers in return for Anthony Davis. Speaking about the Lakers, D-Wade wants the Milwaukee front office to learn from the Purple and Gold franchise and how they treated one of their superstars.

“I mean Kobe play for one franchise because the Lakers did their job to get him the players, the finances, and all the things that he wanted.” Dwyane Wade continued,” It wasn’t like he wasn’t threatening to leave it couple of times.” Even though the Flash feels Giannis would stay with the current team but for that to happen, the Bucks would have to be competing. So, if not Bucks, which other teams could have a real chance for the Nigerian-Greek basketball player?

Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes Plan A for another Eastern rival

First, let’s clear that the Milwaukee Bucks’ front office isn’t exactly rushing to make a trade. Giannis remains their cornerstone, and they’re pretty damn committed to keeping him in town. But we have seen this trade after the Luka-AD trade, that no trade is off limits! That’s where the Brooklyn Nets, with all their cap space and a stash of future draft picks, come in.

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Nets’ GM, Sean Marks, is going all-or-nothing for Giannis. “Multiple league personnel that have spoken with The Post say Giannis Antetokounmpo has been and remains Plan A for the Nets.” The Nets wrapped up their season with a 26-56 record and have more than enough capital to hunt for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo. But there is a catch: if the Bucks do move Giannis, it’s more likely he’ll head to a Western Conference team. Why? Simple—no one wants to face their star in the playoffs.

Brett Siegel also suggested a top West team that could easily make a move for the 30-year-old. “IF there is a team that makes the most sense for Giannis right away, it’s the Thunder with their endless assets.” The National NBA Insider tweeted about the trade rumors. A first-round loss against Indiana might see a change in pace for Antetokounmpo trade talks.