NBA Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Plan B if he doesn't sign with the New York Knicks

The New York Knicks had the opportunity this summer to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star player of the Milwaukee Bucks. It is known that the Greek player requested a trade to the New York franchise, but the offer presented did not convince Milwaukee, and the deal never materialized. Now, it is revealed what would have been Giannis' preferred destination if he did not end up in New York.

Howard Beck revealed on Zach Lowe's podcast that, during his conversations with different league executives and sources while working on the Antetokounmpo story, Miami appeared consistently as one of the player's most desired options.

“When talking to people around the league for the Giannis story, Miami was pointed out as a place he would really love to play if not in New York,” Beck explained.

Image

The possible pieces of a complex trade

In analyzing what Miami would have to send to Milwaukee to close a deal of this magnitude, Beck and Lowe put several names on the table. Among them are Tyler Herro, a Milwaukee native, Andrew Wiggins, and the young promising center Kel’el Ware. All of this would be accompanied by a couple of first-round draft picks and possible position swaps in future selections.

Beck also emphasized not to underestimate the Heat's aggressiveness in the market. “I never underestimate Miami's ambition or their tendency to go after stars. I wouldn't be surprised if they found a way to do it,” he stated.

As of now, the outcome remains uncertain. Discussions between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks' management continue, while they try to clarify the player's future. Trade rumors intensified this month after Giannis formally requested to be traded to the Knicks before the start of the current season. More recently, it was also revealed that the Greek player was going to meet with Milwaukee's executives to discuss a potential move.

In the sports aspect, the Miami Heat are going through a delicate period after suffering four consecutive losses, which has dropped them to the eighth position in the tightly contested middle zone of the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee, on the other hand, is also struggling and currently holds the tenth spot, far behind the leading group. Additionally, Antetokounmpo will be out for several more weeks due to a calf strain, adding more uncertainty to an already complex situation.