swaggerbox wrote:we dont stand a chance if Giannis is dealt this offseason. we simply dont have the pieces to trump other teams' offers. we may a chance if we can pick up valuable assets in the coming draft and free agency (doubt it) and dangle them to the Bucks by the trade deadline. however if Giannis is not dealt and becomes a free agent, our chances greatly diminish. masai, pat riley and jerry west will be frontrunners.
None of the California teams would have an easy path to cap room for Giannis in Free Agency. The Lakers path is almost non-existent. The Clippers and Golden State would almost certainly be forced to do something dramatic that would reduce payroll - namely getting rid of an important big-name starter. Their rosters would not look a whole lot better than an upgraded Milwaukee team.
Miami's path would be somewhat easier - and lesser players could be moved for cap space. However, Dallas has the easiest path - and the most inviting one in regards to players. Giannis would be paired with ideal teammates who are nearly as young as he is. They would be contending for several years without contract interruptions. All have European pedigrees, and Doncic is a pick-and-roll savant. Dallas would be his best shot if he doesn't sign an extension.
I don't think that will happen. Milwaukee will bring everything they have, and can give him nearly 80 million more with a supermax. They will go over the cap if they have to. Giannis would really have to want to be in free agency untethered. If he is truly a free agent, Dallas' chances are quite good. I think it's really Dallas and Miami. Everyone else is playing catch-up. But that's not the most likely scenario. The most likely one is that he stays in Milwaukee.