NBA Rumor: Pelicans become the "key focus" of the Bucks Antetokounmpo deal

If Giannis Antetokounmpo does leave the Bucks, the New Orleans Pelicans may be involved in this potential trade.

The trade rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo are growing, and the Milwaukee Bucks superstar is reportedly willing to leave Wisconsin. The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are potential suitors for the two-time MVP, but the New Orleans Pelicans may also be involved.

Pelicans fans were very excited, not because they could really get the Greek monster. The New Orleans Pelicans have the first-round pick for the Bucks’ next three drafts, meaning they may be involved in a multi-team deal to compete for Giannis. Mark Stein wrote: "The Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs are obviously very capable of competing for the two-time MVP. If the Thunder decide to change their famous patience team-building strategy and join the competition, the Oklahoma City Thunder will undoubtedly become a very viable trading partner. The Utah Jazz is another team with various trading assets, but has never been mentioned in these assumptions. The New Orleans Pelicans are also a team worthy of attention because it has the potential to participate in the final multi-team deal, as the Pelicans control the first-round picks for the Bucks’ next three drafts," Stan wrote on his Substack.

The Pelicans just had a bad season and they missed the playoffs. There were rumors that Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson might trade, but for the moment this is just a rumor.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst also linked the New Orleans Pelicans to Giannis on Monday morning's The Get Up show:

"The New Orleans Pelicans control the next three draft picks for the Milwaukee Bucks," Windhorst said. "If you're going to make a deal with the Bucks and want to open the door to rebuild for them, you might have to go to the New Orleans Pelicans and try to get the Bucks stuff out of the New Orleans Pelicans and return that stuff to the Bucks."

"Of course, the Pelicans can also make their own offers, but I doubt they will try to make a three-party trade."

Pay close attention to the New Orleans Pelicans to see if Giannis will be a big deal.