Could Miami Heat-Damian Lillard Saga Impact Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Podcast co-host Rob Parker says the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to avoid Damian Lillard-Miami Heat situation

Last year the Miami Heat blocked Giannis Antetokounmpo from bringing a second championship to the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Could they now be on the verge of completely ending his tenure in Milwaukee? Fox Sports 1's Rob Parker suggested the Bucks should start looking for trade possibilities involving Antetokounmpo before he enters free agency. 

Why? 

Because the Miami Heat's courtship of Damian Lillard. The Heat have already had two months of talks once Lillard requested a trade to Miami despite being under contract. 

Antetokounmpo has already hinted to the New York Times he may explore his options next summer because he is unsure about a long-term extension. So Parker suggested the Bucks start shopping the two-time MVP now to avoid a Lillard situation. 

"If I'm the Milwaukee Bucks, trade Giannis," Parker on The Odd Couple podcast with Chris Broussard. "Make a phone call! I would trade Giannis, you got what you wanted, you’re Milwaukee, you won a championship, forget the headaches of these guys."

Parker said Antetokounmpo next season could pull a Lillard by requesting a trade to a preferred destination. Just like Lillard did last month when he said he wanted to play in Miami. 

"You should make the move and not wait around for them to wait and hurt their value by dictating only one place they want to go like you have with Damian Lillard," Parker said. "If you make phone calls and keep it on the QT and teams find out he’s available, you’ll get a haul. I would trade him ASAP if the right deal came around. Next year he might say ‘I’m only going to Miami’ and then your hands are tied. If I’m ownership, I’m going to be one step ahead.”

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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