Could Miami Heat-Damian Lillard Saga Impact Giannis Antetokounmpo?
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.”
HEAT-RELATED STORIES
Fans go crazy for Heat forward Nikola Jovic's summer play. CLICK HERE
Jimmy Butler hints it's close to Dame Time? CLICK HERE
Charles Barkley has issue with Damian Lillard trade request. CLICK HERE
For a look at some of the latest Heat apparel. CLICK HERE
If you wanna bet on any games at @PrizePicks or PrizePicks.com, use our link and code. They will match your first bet for up to $100. Here's the code: PR-R1YOFY6
Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.
TWITTER: @ShandelRich
Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here
For any Heat or NBA questions, please email shandelrich@gmail.com
