There's little to no chance that Giannis Antetokounmpo is heading to the Charlotte Hornets. But if they want to pursue the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, they have one fewer competitor after the Golden State Warriors essentially took themselves out of the picture by letting go of one of their most valuable trade chips.
The Warriors' inevitable divorce from Jonathan Kuminga was at last finalized. They shipped the disgruntled forward to the Atlanta Hawks. Coming with him is Buddy Hield, while Golden State acquired Kristaps Porzingis in exchange.
Giannis not for sale anymore?
It appears the Dubs have given up on their chase for the biggest fish of this year's trade deadline. Some believe they were the frontrunners in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, as they could have crafted a package that would have met the Bucks' needs, including young talent, expiring contracts, and draft capital.
Where it went sideways, we'll never know. Maybe Milwaukee couldn't be enticed by what the Warriors offered. Or perhaps the Bucks really have no plans of working out their Antetokounmpo predicament this season, as they could command better proposals in the summer.
It remains to be seen how other suitors fare, though. The teams most discussed at the moment are the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Heat might be willing to wait until the offseason, while the Wolves have more incentive to put all of their chips on the table.
Should Charlotte go all-in?
Funnily enough, the Hornets can produce a package that could make it hard for Milwaukee to say no.
However, that would entail sending at least one of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel, in addition to a handful of draft picks from their coffer. Only the Bucks would be thrilled about the idea, though, because if the Hornets have to give up any of their current core, not even Antetokounmpo's arrival might be able lift them to championship contention. And if they couldn't seriously compete for a title, there's little reason for him to stay beyond the end of his current contract.
The best package Charlotte could put forward for the two-time MVP, who has just turned 31, features Miles Bridges, a promising youngster not named Ball, Miller, or Knueppel, some salary fillers, and multiple first-round picks. Would the Bucks like that kind of a proposal? Probably not.
So, even with the Warriors bowing out of the race for Antetokounmpo, the Hornets still aren't one of the favorites in it. Well, there hasn't been any substantial rumor linking them to the "Greek Freak" anyway. The best we've heard is Ramona Shelburne mentioning them in passing while discussing the potential suitors.
On the other hand, we can never say never. Buzz City could surprise everyone at the trade deadline.