When Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat early in the offseason, it felt as if the Golden State Warriors' long-held dream of acquiring the two-time MVP was over once and for all.
Perhaps that's not necessarily the case though as the Heat endure an incredibly poor start to the season. Despite a triple-double from Antetokounmpo on Monday night, Miami fell to a fourth-straight defeat at the hands of the young Dallas Mavericks.
Warriors' Giannis Antetokounmpo dream may not be over after all
Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists through four games, but Miami's starting lineup has been atrocious as former Warrior champions Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins struggle to find a groove alongside their new superstar teammate.
Less than a week through the season and many have been quick to point out that Antetokounmpo can still become a free agent next offseason. The 31-year-old isn't eligible to sign an extension with Miami until January 6, marking six months since he was traded by the Milwaukee Bucks.
What if we get to January 6 -- which is nearly halfway through the season -- and the Heat are still struggling and looking like a fringe playoff team at best? Does Antetokounmpo actually consider not signing an extension and seeing how the remainder of the season plays out? Could he opt out and leave the Heat as a free agent after just one season?
It seems to be far too premature to discuss such a situation, but the idea is already drawing speculation on social media such has been Miami's disastrous start. The Warriors, remember, are one team that could still generate max cap space to offer Antetokounmpo in free agency.
Warriors still aren't appealing enough for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Even if Antetokounmpo truly considered departing Miami as a free agent next offseason, Golden State still aren't an overly appealing destination when it comes to possible suitors. There's clearly a reason why they weren't in the final race for him as a trade target this past offseason, and why they've missed out so many big name players over recent years.
Perhaps the infusion of Yaxel Lendeborg gives prospective free agents another reason to consider the Warriors, but that's unlikely to be enough if the team is in the Play-In again or even worse after a 1-3 start to the season.
The Warriors will still surely be monitoring how things fare in South Beach though. Armed with cap space to make a big move next summer, perhaps another unexpected Antetokounmpo opportunity arises.
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