Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly has reservations about playing alongside Steph Curry. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Bucks superstar isn’t thrilled at the prospect of playing “second fiddle” to Curry. It puts a major dent in the Warriors’ hopes of landing Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo has been an undisputed No. 1 option for the Bucks for a decade. He’s never shared the floor with another player with MVP credentials or the same No. 1 option status.
The closest a player came to that was Khris Middleton in the 2020-21 season when the Bucks won the championship. As for Curry, he’s deferred once to Kevin Durant when the duo teamed up in their primes to lead the Warriors to two consecutive championships in 2017 and 2018.
However, even then, Curry remained the focal point of Golden State’s offense. Whether on or off the ball, Curry’s gravity is second to none, making him the Warriors’ offensive engine. Antetokounmpo has played in more traditional systems, so the adjustment for him would be bigger than anyone else.
Antetokounmpo is 32 and still has years left in his prime, so he would naturally want to lead his new team. Meanwhile, Curry is 38 and his MVP-caliber seasons are behind him. He is still the Warriors’ offensive spark on most nights, but his consistency has dropped in his twilight years and injuries have been an issue.
Warriors could join five other teams to not “factor” in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks: Report
The Warriors won’t be the only team that may have to pull out of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, five more teams, once closely linked with the two-time MVP, are not expected to factor in a trade for Antetokounmpo. That list includes the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
All five teams could have different reasons. The Celtics, Rockets and Thunder may not be interested, while Cleveland and Minnesota might lack assets. Antetokounmpo is also likely to influence the Bucks’ decision on his next landing spot, and neither of these franchises could be on his radar.
The Miami Heat have long been the rumored favorites to land the former Defensive Player of the Year. They have the best potential package and Antetokounmpo is reportedly interested in joining them.
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