Early off-season trade rumors have former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, his home since he was selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. The Portland Trail Blazers—who incidentally could have drafted the 6’11 forward—are not rumored to be on Antetokounmpo’s wish list of destinations. In his latest substack [subscription required] NBA writer Marc Stein lists Portland, along with the New Orleans Pelicans—as a potential third team to facilitate a forthcoming deal.
The Pelicans have Bucks picks in hand for the next three drafts as a result of the trade that brought Jru Holiday, and an NBA Championship in 2021—to Milwaukee.