The Brooklyn Nets are positioning themselves to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, viewing him as their ultimate prize. With 15 future first-round picks, they aim to build a new core around him, especially given their current playoff absence.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is delivering another stellar season.
The two-time NBA MVP is averaging 30.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 33.9 minutes per game over 61 games with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is currently the third favorite for the MVP award, behind Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who frequently alternate at the top.
The 30-year-old has been exceptional, even during the Milwaukee Bucks' early struggles this season. His consistent performance has been pivotal in steering the team away from a disastrous season. Currently, the Bucks hold the sixth position in the Eastern Conference with a 40-34 record, suggesting they might avoid the anxiety of the play-in tournament.
However, numerous rumors this season suggest that Giannis might leave Milwaukee as early as next season. Many believe that if he doesn't secure his second championship with the team that drafted him in 2013 and where he's played exclusively for 12 years, Antetokounmpo could seek opportunities elsewhere.
Naturally, every team would covet Giannis on their roster. There was a time when the Golden State Warriors were reportedly very interested in him. Recently, another team has emerged as a primary suitor for the Greek Freak: the Brooklyn Nets.
According to the New York Post, Antetokounmpo is the "ultimate prize" for the New York team and its General Manager, Sean Marks. If Giannis remains with the Bucks past the June draft, the Nets might consider tanking to accumulate higher draft picks for a potential trade.
The Nets currently lead the NBA with 15 future first-round draft picks. This stockpile positions them favorably to make a significant offer for a superstar like Giannis. Their strategy focuses on maintaining flexibility and being prepared to seize high-profile opportunities to rebuild and strengthen their team.
If Giannis decides to stay in Milwaukee beyond the June 26 draft, the Nets and Marks will face a significant dilemma. They'll need to choose between trading valuable veteran players—who could be part of an offer for Antetokounmpo—to create more cap space for a potential rebuild, or patiently waiting another season.
The latter option carries the risk of sacrificing the 2026 draft lottery, as accumulating more wins would reduce their chances of securing a top pick. Regardless, the Nets appear to be thoroughly examining Antetokounmpo's situation to build an entirely new core around him, especially since the playoff train has already left the station for them this season.
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