The Giannis Antetokounmpo to Toronto rumors could be on the horizon once again.
With Giannis’ future with the Milwaukee Bucks somewhat uncertain, there has been a lot of speculation about what’s next for the Greek superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes eligible to sign a contract extension on Friday. He can recommit to the Bucks since he signed a supermax extension before the 2020-21 season.
Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier and Bobby Marks answered some of the biggest questions surrounding Giannis and the Bucks.
One questions they answered “what happens if Antetokounmpo won’t extend his contract next summer?”
The insiders suggested that if Giannis doesn’t sign an extension next summer and they have another disappointing finish, the Bucks could begin exploring trade options for Antetokounmpo.
Another questions they answered “which other teams are keeping a close eye on the Antetokounmpo situation?” The insiders listed some teams and Toronto was one of them:
A few preliminary teams, who at the very least, will be watching this situation closely, could include the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, according to Zach Lowe and Ramona Shelburne during a recent episode of the Lowe Post podcast.
This isn’t the first time the Raptors have been linked to Antetokounmpo. The Raptors had interest in Antetokounmpo when he was set to be a free agent in 2021. Giannis of course re-signed with the Bucks in December of 2020.
Also, Masai Ujiri tried to trade up to get Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2013 NBA Draft.
The ties between Masai Ujiri and Giannis Antetokounmpo go beyond basketball. Ujiri helped Giannis get Greek citizenship.
For now Giannis remains on the Bucks. Milwaukee hasn’t considered trading him just yet. However, if Giannis does become available in trade discussions expect the Raptors to show a lot of interest.
Raptors eyeing another superstar?
Another superstar the Raptors have been recently linked to is Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard.
The Raptors were essentially revealed as the “mystery team” by the Action Network’s Matt Moore, who said the Raptors have shown interest in the seven-time All-Star.
Scottie Barnes’ name has come up in a potential Raptors trade for Damian Lillard. However, ESPN’s Zach Lowe doesn’t think the Raptors would trade their former Rookie of the Year for him.
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