Latest news with #GreekFreak
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Warriors' Brandin Podziemski doesn't want a Giannis Antetokoumpo trade
The post Why Warriors' Brandin Podziemski doesn't want a Giannis Antetokoumpo trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. In today's NBA, stars change teams at every trade deadline and free-agency period. As of June 3rd, the longest-tenured All-Stars in the league are Stephen Curry and Draymond Green with the Golden State Warriors. Giannis Antetokounmpo is close behind, having spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. Advertisement However, Milwaukee could trade their star soon. According to Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, he does not want to see the MVP finalist to demand a trade this summer. After an ACL injury to Damian Lillard and another first-round playoff exit, experts expect Antetokounmpo to request a trade this summer. Teams around the league will line up to offer packages for the nine-time All-NBA selection. However, Podziemski offered his thoughts on the situation. According to him, he much prefers players to stay with their original team for their entire career. Podziemski grew up in Wisconsin and was a big Bucks fan as a kid. He spoke to Kay Adams on Tuesday's episode of Up and Adams about the rumors swirling around the superstar. To him, Antetokounmpo playing in another city just doesn't feel right. 'It's like Steph[en Curry] not playing for the Warriors,' Podziemski said about the Greek Freak changing teams. 'All guys who've cemented their legacy and what they're about in this league on one team, you never expect it to change. Advertisement 'It's the same as Luka [Doncic] in Dallas. The whole world is shocked because of the player that he is, and you could see that they were building around him. It's like any star in the league that stays with one team. You expect them to be in one jersey, and anywhere else just doesn't seem right at all.' Even though he is with the Warriors, Podziemski still has an affinity for his hometown. For him, his goal is to win a championship in Milwaukee for Golden State against the Bucks. 'It'd be pretty cool to win a championship in Milwaukee against them; that would be something cool,' Podziemski said. 'But I love Golden State. I love everything that they've invested in me despite having Hall of Famers all the time around me. It's pretty cool to be wanted as a young player.' Podziemski and Antetokounmpo are at different points in their careers. However, if the young Warriors guard has his way, they will stay where they are and finish their careers with one team. Still, Milwaukee's superstar fits what the Warriors are looking for. Therefore, there is a world in which they are in the same deal.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Toronto Raptors Go All-In To Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo In Mock Trade Idea
In 2018, the Toronto Raptors stunned the NBA world by acquiring Kawhi Leonard, a move that culminated in the franchise's first championship. Now, with the Milwaukee Bucks facing uncertainty and Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly open to exploring his options, the Raptors have an opportunity to make another bold move. Antetokounmpo is expected to meet with Bucks management to discuss the team's direction following their third consecutive first-round playoff exit and the season-ending injury to Damian Lillard. Toronto, with its international appeal and stable front office, is considered a fitting destination for the Greek star. Advertisement The Raptors have long been interested in Antetokounmpo, having attempted to trade into the 2013 draft to select him and clearing cap space in 2020 in hopes of signing him. With a roster featuring Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, Toronto could offer a competitive team for Antetokounmpo to join. While acquiring Antetokounmpo would require a significant trade package, the Raptors have assets to offer and a history of making bold moves. As the Bucks prepare for their meeting with Antetokounmpo, Toronto's front office, led by Masai Ujiri, will be watching closely. Let's dive into the trade that sends The Greek Freak to Toronto. Proposed Trade Details Toronto Raptors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks Receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2025 No. 9 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 39 Overall Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR) Raptors Create a Monster Big Three The Toronto Raptors can take a very bold step by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, forming a formidable trio alongside Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes. Antetokounmpo, despite the Milwaukee Bucks' early playoff exit, showcased his dominance in the 2024–25 season with averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, shooting an impressive 60.1% from the field. Advertisement His addition brings a two-time MVP and a relentless force on both ends of the court to Toronto. Brandon Ingram complements Antetokounmpo's inside presence with his perimeter scoring and playmaking abilities. In the same season, Ingram averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, providing the Raptors with a versatile offensive weapon. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates adds depth to the Raptors' offensive schemes. Scottie Barnes, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, continues to develop into a well-rounded player. He contributed 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game during the 2024–25 season, showcasing his versatility and defensive prowess. Just like Kawhi with the Raptors, Giannis can complete a perfect lineup that is ready to win an NBA title. Bucks Start Their Rebuild with Strong Assets The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo marks the beginning of a new era focused on rebuilding. Despite Antetokounmpo's stellar performance, the Bucks faced their third consecutive first-round playoff exit, highlighting the need for a strategic overhaul. The trade provides Milwaukee with valuable assets to kickstart this process. Advertisement In return for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks acquire a package that includes promising young talent and future draft picks. These assets offer Milwaukee the flexibility to develop a new core and build for the future. The infusion of youth and potential sets the stage for a comprehensive rebuild aimed at long-term success. While the departure of a franchise cornerstone is significant, but necessary considering the circumstances, the Bucks will be happy with draft picks and two players, Barrett (21.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG) and Quickley (17.1 PPG, 5.8 APG), who are both under 25 years old. A Shocking Win-Now Move by Toronto Toronto's acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo signals a decisive shift towards immediate contention. After a 30–52 season that saw them miss the playoffs, the Raptors are making a statement about their ambitions. Bringing in a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber demonstrates a commitment to winning now. Advertisement This move is reminiscent of the Raptors' 2018 trade for Kawhi Leonard, which culminated in their first NBA championship. By assembling a trio of Antetokounmpo, Ingram, and Barnes, Toronto is positioning itself as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. The blend of experience and youth in this lineup offers both immediate impact and future potential. The Raptors' front office, known for its bold decisions, is once again taking a calculated risk with high rewards. If this new core can gel and perform to expectations, Toronto could find itself back in championship contention, energizing the fan base and once again completing a master stroke by Masai Ujiri. Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo And The Bucks Will Discuss Their Future In A Critical Offseason Meeting
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Rockets open to trading Alperen Sengun in Giannis Antetokounmpo deal with Bucks
The Houston Rockets clearly have some level of interest in pursuing a trade this offseason for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. How much? Per veteran NBA scribe Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, the Rockets are willing to include 22-year-old NBA All-Star Alperen Sengun in an offer. Helin writes: Houston has optionality, this trade can be structured in many different ways. Houston would be open to trading Alperen Sengun, league sources told NBC Sports, but the Bucks may be higher on a Jalen Green-based trade (depending on how they rate Green). Jabari Smith Jr. is likely part of any deal, and the Rockets have a lot of future first-round picks — their own and others, such as Brooklyn and Phoenix picks — that could be part of the trade. It likely takes a third team to make the math work, but it's very doable. A 6-foot-11 power forward, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points (60.1% FG), 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. A two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), the 'Greek Freak' is a perennial MVP candidate and appears set to make his seventh consecutive All-NBA First Team in the coming days. Advertisement Thus, as good as Sengun is, Antetokounmpo is currently in a higher tier. Then again, Antetokounmpo is 30 years old and Sengun is 22, which is why the deal could have appeal to the Bucks (and why some Houston fans might hesitate). The next domino is finding out whether Antetokounmpo truly issues a trade request, and if the Rockets think his addition is sufficient to lift this season's 52-30 finish into true title contention. If both answers are affirmative, a deal that makes sense for both sides appears reasonable — and especially since Milwaukee doesn't have control of its future first-round draft picks. That could make it especially important for the Bucks to target younger players with proven production and an ability to quickly contribute to winning. In the first year of a five-year contract extension, Sengun will make $33.9 million in 2025-26. That will make it signicantly easier for the Rockets to match salaries with the Bucks and Antetokounmpo's $57.6-million figure. Had Houston not awarded contract extensions to Sengun and Green last October, neither could be part of a 2025 offseason trade without their consent (since each would be a restricted free agent). Thus, those deals are already adding to the options for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone. Advertisement More: Fact or fiction: Do the Rockets have the best assets to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo? This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Report: Rockets open to trading Alperen Sengun in Giannis, Bucks deal
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Giannis Antetokounmpo a Trade Target By a Western Conference Team
Giannis Antetokounmpo a Trade Target By a Western Conference Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There have been a lot of teams linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. While there is no assurance about what's next for his career, rumors about a potential trade for Antetokounmpo have circulated. After the Bucks' third straight exit in the first round of the NBA playoffs, fans believe the star forward will request a trade out of Milwaukee. Advertisement There were high hopes for the Bucks' second season with their star duo of Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. However, injuries have prevented them from reaching their true potential in the postseason. Milwaukee suffered an unfortunate injury with Lillard's torn Achilles. He's expected to miss at least the entire 2025-26 campaign and is one of the reasons why people have speculated about Antetokounmpo's departure. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after a Taormina-Imagn Images Throughout all this, a few teams have been mentioned in trade rumors. One Western Conference team has been linked to the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes on Tuesday. The Athletic's Kelly Iko reported that the Houston Rockets are interested in trading for the Greek Freak. Advertisement "Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a target, team sources said, but there has been recent uncertainty in the past week on Antetokounmpo's actual availability — not to mention the potential asking price Milwaukee would require," Iko wrote. The Rockets finished second in the West but were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors. Although the team has a promising young core, the group needs an experienced player to help them get past the tougher teams in the conference. Acquiring a player like Antetokounmpo could push the Rockets to actual title contention. The nine-time All-Star has been in nine playoff appearances in his 12-year career. Advertisement However, Houston has to wait until after Antetokounmpo's upcoming meeting with the Bucks in the offseason. Related: Stephen A. Smith's 'Wishful' Giannis Antetokounmpo Theory After Tom Thibodeau Firing This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Check the list of NBA Finals winners from the past 10 years
The NBA Finals can always be quite dramatic. From buzzer-beaters to dynasties and underdog stories, the last decade has had all of it. Whether you're a hardcore fan or someone who only tunes in for the Finals, here is a brief recap of who won the title over the last ten seasons. 2024 - Boston Celtics After years of nearly making it, they finally did it. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead Boston to a championship, and they beat the Dallas Mavericks in a long series. They brought home banner No. 18, breaking the tie with the Lakers for the most championships in NBA history. 2023 - Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokić proved once and for all that he is one of the game's greats. He put the NBA on notice during the Finals, leading the Nuggets to their first championship by beating the Miami Heat in five games. Denver fans waited a long time to enjoy that moment, and they absolutely did. Also Read: Who's most likely to win 2025 NBA Finals MVP? Here are key predictions 2022 - Golden State Warriors The Warriors let everyone know they were not done just yet. Steph Curry finally got his first Finals MVP performance as Golden State beat the Celtics in six games. This was their fourth title in the last eight years. 2021 - Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo had one of the best Finals performances in NBA history. He scored 50 points in Game 6 to clinch the title for Milwaukee, giving them their first title since 1971. "The Greek Freak" became an absolute legend that night. 2020 - Los Angeles Lakers During a pandemic in the bubble down in Orlando, LeBron James led the Lakers to another championship over the Miami Heat. It was an emotional moment for many reasons, not to mention the death of Kobe Bryant earlier that year. LeBron nabbed his fourth ring and third Finals MVP, with a different team this time. 2019 - Toronto Raptors The Raptors made history by winning their first-ever NBA title. Kawhi Leonard was a beast throughout the playoffs and literally carried Toronto past a banged-up Warriors team. Canada came out in a huge way for their team. 2018 - Golden State Warriors Golden State was still full-blown dynasty mode. They absolutely swept LeBron and Head Coach Ty Lue's Cavs, and Kevin Durant nabbed his second straight Finals MVP. At that point, they were pretty much unbeatable. 2017 - Golden State Warriors This was Kevin Durant's first title for the warriors. They rolled through the playoffs, losing one game total. They beat the Cavs 4-1 and boy did Durant make his presence felt. 2016 - Cleveland Cavaliers You already know. LeBron James led the Cavs to a 3–1 comeback to beat the Warriors. It was Cleveland's first championship ever, and that Game 7—Kyrie's shot, LeBron's block—will be remembered forever. 2015 - Golden State Warriors This is where it all started. Steph Curry led the Warriors to their first title in 40 years, and Andre Iguodala took home the Finals MVP for his defense on LeBron. This was the beginning of a new era.
