New NBA Rumors Reveal How Nets Hoped to Land Giannis in Trade with Bucks

The Brooklyn Nets made a major pivot when they determined they couldn't land Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in the immediate future, according to the New York Post's Brian Lewis.

Lewis reported Wednesday that the Nets envisioned landing the two-time NBA MVP in 2023-24 and pairing him with Mikal Bridges. Once that interest was rebuffed, Brooklyn decided to start over and traded Bridges to the New York Knicks.

Lewis noted that choice had some far-reaching consequences. The Knicks' move for Bridges left them hamstrung when they had a path to getting Giannis last summer.

The likelihood of Antetokounmpo leaving Milwaukee appears to be higher than ever following an in-depth report from ESPN's Shams Charania and Jamal Collier. The two insiders went into great detail to describe what one person called "as toxic of a team situation as any in the league."

Lewis reported the Nets are expected to inquire about the 10-time All-Star once the offseason is underway.

Brooklyn may not be his first choice. Sure, he'd get to play in a far bigger market, but the team has the third-worst record (20-59) in the league. It will take more than acquiring Giannis to become a serious contender.

The Nets don't have a lot of young players likely to pique the Bucks' interest, either.

Michael Porter Jr. is a valuable piece who could be rerouted elsewhere in a three- or four-team swap, though, and general manager Sean Marks does possess a bounty of draft capital. That's something Milwaukee will prioritize in a total rebuild.

Sooner or later, Marks will surely leverage his picks in a bona fide star, and Antetokounmpo is likely to be available. Maybe the Nets will land their guy after all.