Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Biggest threats in race for Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Tony Pesta

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors aren’t the only team looking to steal Giannis Antetokounmpo. Here are the biggest threats standing in their way.

Every team in the league is hoping for a chance to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo when he hits the free agency market next year. While the Golden State Warriors have consistently mentioned as one of the top teams to target the Greek Freak, they certainly aren’t the only franchise with a chance of signing him.

It will take quite a bit to reel in Giannis. He is in the midst of a historically great run, likely to win his second straight MVP this year with averages of 29.6 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. He might be the best player in the association and deserves to be paid as such.

Money is one factor, but playing for a championship-caliber team is important as well. This rules out teams like the New York Knicks who would be willing to throw buckets of money at Giannis but are unlikely to surround him with enough talent to compete for a title.

The Miami Heat are one team who are capable of doing both. Miami is projected to have enough cap space to pursue Giannis in 2021 and have made it publically clear that they plan to do so.

This season, the Heat have been one of the most surprising teams in the league. Players such as Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro would be deadly running alongside Antetokounmpo.

The Warriors can offer a great supporting cast but it will take some massive moves to clear up enough cap space to sign Giannis. This puts a strain on any attempt they may make to sign the MVP.

While other teams could make a push for Giannis, we still have to acknowledge the Milwaukee Bucks for having the best chance of retaining him. He has built a bond with the franchise and is cherished by their fanbase. Furthermore, the Bucks will be able to offer Giannis the most amount of money.

There is no telling what Giannis values most when making his decisions but it seems safe to say the Bucks are at the front of this race as of now.

dark. Next. 3 Ways the Draft can save the Dubs

Home/Warriors Free Agency