Giannis Antetokounmpo linked to surprising Eastern Conference team

A dark horse Eastern Conference team has been linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Trade rumors about the Greek Freak have swirled since his Bucks were eliminated from postseason contention. With his Bucks co-star Damian Lillard expected to miss the rest of next season with a torn Achilles tendon, Antetokounmpo has as many reasons as ever to ask out from the franchise he won a championship with in 2021.

Giannis has been linked to several Western Conference teams over the past month, including buzz about a Steph Curry-Antetokounmpo pairing on the Golden State Warriors.

One reporter claims Antetokounmpo has kept an eye on a former East rival as a potential landing spot. In a recent mailbag post, veteran reporter Doug Smith was asked about the possibility of the Toronto Raptors getting in on the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.

The Toronto Star journalist stated that there is “mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors.” He also noted that Toronto has all of its first-round picks and could potentially offer a package of four firsts and young players for the two-time league MVP.

Smith did qualify his report by stating that the odds remain “long” that the Raptors could outbid every other team if the Bucks shop their longtime star.

The Raptors have a few rising talents on its roster such as All-Star Scottie Barnes, sharpshooter Gradey Dick, veteran wing RJ Barrett, and scoring guard Immanuel Quickley. Milwaukee would likely ask for at least two of those players in return, which wouldn’t leave much talent on Toronto’s roster once Antetokounmpo theoretically arrives.

Of course, this all assumes Antetokounmpo actually asks for a trade. Based on Giannis’ social media activity, the nine-time All-Star may still stick with the Bucks even as the going gets tough.