Despite the NBA season being suspended indefinitely, the rumors of Milwaukee Bucks' star and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's impending Free Agency continue to circulate.
The Los Angeles Lakers have long been linked to Antetokoumpo for more reasons than one, but two more teams have entered the fray for 'The Greek Freak's" services.
According to Basketball Rehab, the New York Knicks and Miami Heat have had preliminary discussions with a member of Giannis' camp.
Antetokounmpo is set to the open market in 2021, and with the like of Heat general manager Pat Riley, who famously courted LeBron James and Chris Bosh to Miami, Knicks owner James Dolan, and Steph Curry all making pitches for the soon to be 26-year old, Giannis may be the premier free agent of the 2020s'.
Antetokounmpo holds more connections with the Heat, as he and center Bam Adebayo share the same agent. Despite the ties to Miami, Adebayo has stated he holds no power in swaying Antetokounmpo's decision.
"At the end of the day, I can't force a man to make that decision," Adebayo said to the Sun Sentinal. "That's going to be his decision, his family's decision. I can't persuade him to do that."
Earlier this season, the Miami Herald reported the Heat were clearing cap space to make a run at 'The Greek Freak' in 202, and even ESPN mentioned Miami as a destination for Antetokounmpo should he choose to leave Milwaukee.
When it comes to the Knicks, the only connection Giannis has to New York is the way they treated his brother, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
“The Greek Freak’’ has no ties to New York other than bad thoughts about his brother, Thanasis, not being treated well while with the Knicks organization.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will lead the 2021 free-agent class that also features LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul, Paul George, and Blake Griffin, who all have player options as well as, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert, and Gordon Hayward.
*preview photo credited to CBS Sports