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Former NBA Star Predicts Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Return to Bucks
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- Former NBA Star Predicts Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Return to Bucks
Former NBA star center DeMarcus Cousins added fuel to the fire of what could be a dreamlike return to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee sent Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for a haul of players and picks, including Tyler Herro and the No. 13 pick in this year's draft (Nate Ament). The drama-filled trade saga finally came to a close, as the former franchise superstar chases NBA glory.
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His time in Miami hasn't been too hot; it's been ice cold.
The Heat started 0-4 for the first time in 19 seasons, and Antetokounmpo led the team in scoring in three of their four losses. Not even a 24-point, 11-rebound, 14-assist triple-double could power them to a win over the Dallas Mavericks last Monday.
Miami has added two wins since a poor start, but if the trajectory continues, the noise around his potential departure will grow louder.
Cousins Believes Antetokounmpo Didn't Want To Leave
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Cousins said he wouldn't be surprised if the Milwaukee legend returned to his old stomping grounds on a recent segment of FanDuel's NBA show, 'Run It Back.'
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"For some reason, my gut is telling me that anyway," Cousins said. "I don't know anything; this is just my gut feeling. But the way that Milwaukee loaded up on young talent and assets, I could see a return happening."
Antetokounmpo has a $62.8 million player option next offseason, and June 29, 2027, is his deadline to exercise or decline.
He hinted at a potential return to the Bucks whenever his tenure with the Heat ends. The 31-year-old holds the organization close to his heart, having led them to their first title in 50 years in 2021.
His 50-point performance in a closeout Game 6 is cemented as a historic game in Finals history.
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Will Antetokounmpo Decline His Player Option?
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Declining $62.8 million would be a bold decision. Injuries have plagued the three-time MVP in the last several seasons.
A plethora of injuries limited him to a career-low 36 games last season. Calf strains were the most notable, as he even self-diagnosed and provided a recovery timeline after a 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 23.
Miami also gutted its roster to acquire Antetokounmpo. The team is asset-strapped, with little avenue to retool, and reliedson veterans like Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. signing on veteran minimum contracts.
He's spent several seasons on a Milwaukee squad that consistently lost in the first and second rounds. Seeing his commitment through with another franchise is likely the most logical decision.
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Returning to the Bucks is a dream scenario the fan base would love, with young talent and general manager Jon Horst armed with multiple picks to build a championship contender.
Miami crushes that dream if it bounces back from its slow start and makes the playoffs.
