Just when you thought the Lakers were done dealing, the offseason rumor mill has thrown gasoline on the fire.
Fresh off a midseason blockbuster that brought a generational talent to Los Angeles (yes, that one), the Lakers are now being linked to another league-shaking move — one that could create the most dominant Big Three since LeBron joined Wade and Bosh in Miami.
“One of the LA teams. One of the New York teams. Maybe Miami.”
Beck revealed he’d “poked around” with league sources recently and heard some early rumblings about where the two-time MVP might want to land — and it’s not small market territory.
“It’s already just the big cities,” Beck said. “One of the LA teams or one of the New York teams. Maybe Miami — not a big market, but a glamour market. I think they threw Chicago in there too.”
“I can’t remember if Houston came up. It should.”
The implication? If Giannis asks out, he’s likely headed for a major market with championship ambition and brand-building power.
Milwaukee’s Fall from Glory
The Bucks have been unraveling piece by piece since their 2021 championship:
- Jrue Holiday was traded for Damian Lillard in 2023.
- Coach Mike Budenholzer was fired shortly after.
- Khris Middleton — a crucial part of that title run — was dealt to the Wizards this season.
- And most recently, Adrian Griffin was fired midseason despite a 30–13 record.
That kind of turnover — paired with another playoff collapse — may be testing Giannis’ loyalty.
Lillard’s Injury = Last Straw?
Adding to the instability: Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles during the first round against Indiana. The Bucks, already short-handed, were bounced in just five games.
With no Middleton, no Lillard, and no stability on the bench, the title window Giannis fought to keep open now looks like it’s slamming shut.
What Happens If He Asks Out?
Beck made one thing clear: the Bucks aren’t obligated to honor Giannis’ preferences — pointing to Portland’s refusal to send Damian Lillard to his chosen team.
“You’re not obligated to honor it,” Beck said. But let’s be real: a player like Giannis asking out would spark a league-wide bidding war.
Milwaukee isn’t panicking publicly — yet. But if the “Greek Freak” is even thinking about leaving, the Bucks’ offseason just became the league’s biggest soap opera.