Six predictions for the next decade of Toronto Raptors basketball
Raptors miss out on the Greek Freak
If you were expecting the popular “Giannis to Toronto” theory here, you will be disappointed. The Raptors are going to make a strong case but in the end, Giannis Antetokounmpo will choose to stay in Milwaukee.
One of the biggest factors that have linked 25-year old to Toronto is his pre-existing relationship with Masai Ujiri. The Raptors President of Basketball Operations helped Giannis’ family secure Greek citizenship. In addition, it is no secret that Ujiri wanted to trade into the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft to pick him up.
Antetokounmpo has often stated how he feels that playing in a small market has helped his career. In a 2017 article by Marc Stein of the New York Times he said:
"“I’m a low-profile guy,” Antetokounmpo said. “I don’t like all these flashy cities like L.A. or Miami. I don’t know if I could be the same player if I played in those cities.”"
Toronto is not necessarily L.A. or Miami but it has the big city vibe. Plus, in Toronto, it would be all eyes on Giannis, all the time. Toronto is also a much bigger market to play in than Milwaukee.
His current team can also offer him a five-year $247 million contract. How would you be able to decline that much money all while leaving a market where you are already comfortable and successful?
The Raptors will make an ultra-competitive pitch. They’ll be able to offer him the opportunity to play alongside their young stars. Plus, as Giannis witnessed first hand in the 2018 postseason, the entire country of Canada would embrace him the way it embraced Kawhi Leonard.
However, try as they might the Raptors will fail to land the “Greek Freak.” The lure of a record-setting contract and the ability to stay where he is already comfortable will be too much for Antetokounmpo to turn down.
Antetokounmpo loves Milwaukee, and Milwaukee loves him. He has also always vocal about wanting to build a winner there. It just feels as though he will not be able to abandon what he has started with the Bucks.
Next. The Toronto Raptors shouldn't trade for Andre Drummond. dark
When the summer of 2021 comes around it would be shocking to see Giannis Antetokounmpo sign anywhere other than Milwaukee.