Rich Paul speaks on the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Milwaukee Bucks face a major offseason, as a decision will have to be made on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The New York Knicks reportedly had an offer for Giannis last offseason, but a deal never materialized. Trade rumors swirled around Giannis throughout the season, picking up going into the trade deadline.
Once again, no deal materialized.
Giannis suffered an injury in March that ended his season, but he was still in the headlines as he and management were reportedly on different pages. Giannis stated that he wanted to play. Management held him out of games.
Giannis played in a career low 36 games as the Bucks failed to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Rich Paul Speaks
Agent Rich Paul spoke on the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman (via ClutchPoints), giving his take on the situation.
“I think it’s an opportunity to hit the reset button, get younger. Because they built a really great foundation in Milwaukee. They have a new arena, a new practice facility, they’ve won a championship. So if this was your front yard, you’d dig it up and just soil over, plant some seeds," he said.
Paul also noted that the grass isn't always greener, speaking about Giannis potentially leaving the team.
Paul is the founder of Klutch Sports Group, which is the home of players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and De'Aaron Fox. Giannis is signed with Octagon Basketball.
The Future Of Giannis
The Bucks do not have to trade Giannis in the offseason. He is signed through the end of next season, and has a player option in the following season. If he indicates to the team that he isn't going to pick up his player option, Milwaukee might feel more inclined to trade him.
Giannis has made it clear over the years that he wants to compete for a championship. He's also made it clear that the team is the furthest away that they've been in years, noting that they missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season.
If the Bucks decide to trade their franchise legend, there will be no shortage of suitors. Along with the Knicks, the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves were all rumored suitors for him at the deadline.
Miami failed to make the playoffs after losing the nine vs. ten play-in game. The Warriors need to win one more play-in game to make the playoffs. The Timberwolves and Knicks are hoping to have extended playoff runs.