With the Bucks off to a disappointing start this season, sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 10-13 record, trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo have begun to heat up over the last few days.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Brain Windhorst reported that Antetokonmpo asked for a trade from the Bucks before the season and then, just a few hours later, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokonmpo and his agent are in discussions with Milwaukee about Antetokounmpo’s future with the team. Ironically, the forward then exited Wednesday’s game between the Bucks and the Pistons early with a right calf strain on an awkward fall, that is expected to keep him sidelined for 2-4 weeks, per Charania.
Calf injuries are tricky, and Antetokounmpo has missed extensive time in the past with calf ailments. There is a chance the former MVP has played his last game in a Bucks uniform and odds for Antetokounmpo’s next team following this season’s NBA trade deadline in February are now live on DraftKings Sportsbook. Below, I dive into my two favorite bets from this market.
New York Knicks (+260)
The Knicks are the most logical landing spot for Antetokounmpo. First off, New York reportedly was the only other team than the Bucks that Antetokounmpo had interest in this past offseason. Given that the superstar brought an NBA Championship to Milwaukee in 2021, on top of countless great seasons, one would have to think the Bucks’ organization will want to do right by Anteteokounmpo—send him to a team he desires, even though he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
On the other side, the Knicks have the assets to trade for Antetokoumpo. Jalen Brunson isn’t going anywhere and would be the player New York would want to pair with Antetokounmpo, but the Knicks could create a package around Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and future draft picks, which would be appealing for Milwaukee, as this move would help them currently and in the future.
Antetokounmpo and Brunson would easily be one of the best duos in the NBA, and the Knicks would be legitimate contenders for many years with this pairing at the helm.
Atlanta Hawks (+2000)
The Hawks have the assets to build one of the best packages for Antetokounmpo. Atlanta could begin this package with Jalen Johnson, who is a blossoming star who is averaging a near triple-double of 23.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game this season, and is only 23-years-old. In addition to Johnson, the Hawks own a pick swap for the Pelicans’ first round pick in this upcoming draft, which is an extremely valuable pick that is likely to be a top-five choice given the Pelicans 3-18 start this season.
Atlanta also owns their first round picks from 2029-32 that they could mix in the deal, and many players the team would likely be willing to part with in an Antetokounmpo deal, including Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Onykeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher.
Antetokoummpo likely doesn’t have much desire to join the Hawks, so this is a longshot bet, but at this +2000 price, taking a flier on Atlanta to win the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes with a hefty offer has merit.
