Clippers, Heat, Lakers Preserving Cap Space For 2027 When Giannis Antetokounmpo Can Become Free Agent
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers are preserving cap space for 2027 when Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo can become an unrestricted free agent.
Antetokounmpo has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.
“We’ve been hearing for some time now that a variety of teams — Clippers, Heat, Lakers — have been preserving cap space for the 2027 offseason, when Antetokounmpo could test unrestricted free agency by bypassing his player option for 2027-28,” Fischer wrote.
Antetokounmpo requested a trade from the Bucks in the offseason and wanted to get traded to the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks and Bucks couldn’t agree to a deal, so Antetokounmpo committed to Milwaukee.
However, Milwaukee has struggled this season and Antetokounmpo has grown frustrated with losing. The Bucks have won only one playoff series since winning the championship in 2021 against the Phoenix Suns.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, Antetokounmpo and his agent are having conversations with the Bucks about the power forward’s future. The Greek Freak doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so if he requests a trade, Antetokounmpo can’t pick his next team.
Antetokounmpo, 30, is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game this season while shooting 63.9% from the field and 63.5% from the free-throw line. He’s currently out with a right calf strain.
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, one-time Finals MVP, one-time Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time All-Star. He holds career averages of 24.0 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
If Antetokounmpo requests a trade this season, almost every contender will attempt to acquire the NBA legend.
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