Giannis Antetokounmpo May Possibly Join Eastern Conference Rival In 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo is possibly in his final few seasons as a Milwaukee Buck. The Greek Freak was drafted by the Bucks in 2013, but he took a massive leap from the 2016-17 season on. Ever since he has been a top tier talent. He is on the verge of a back-to-back MVP win and just became Defensive Player of the Year.

However, he is facing some familiar stumbling blocks in the playoffs. The Bucks fell to a game one defeat at the hand of the Miami Heat. Giannis had a passive performance, just managing 18 points. He had the worst +/- of any Buck on the court at -14.

There has been constant speculation on whether Giannis will leave Milwaukee in 2021. While many believe he is loyal to the soil, others speculate on whether he will leave for a better contender. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, there is a belief that Giannis may ditch Milwaukee and join the Miami Heat.

Amick writes that when he asked a front office executive what would happen if the Bucks were to lose in the playoffs. He specifically asked if that impacts which team Giannis signs for in 2021. The executive responded by saying it’s the Miami Heat.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his decision

Giannis leaving the Bucks would be quite heartbreaking. The organization has done everything in its power to give Giannis an environment he can succeed in. Despite not being a free agent destination, Milwaukee has created a strong team around Giannis. His leaving would send this organization back a considerable number of years. You don’t just find another Giannis Antetokounmpo.

But if the 2019 MVP was to leave, it is plausible that he looks at the Heat. Miami has strategically built a team flexible enough to have a supermax slot in 2021. Pairing Giannis alongside Jimmy Butler in Miami would be a sensational coup for Pat Riley. The blow would definitely sting more if Milwaukee were to be eliminated by the Heat this season.

However, there is another season of basketball after this before it’s Giannis’ time to decide. A lot can change. But if the Heat is still a viable option in 2021, Milwaukee should be scared at how this decision may go.