Pelicans Keeping Tabs on Ex-MVP, NBA Champ

• NBA

New Orleans, LA - With the NBA season on the brink of tipping off, the New Orleans Pelicans are keeping a watchful eye on the unfolding drama in Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks' iconic superstar and former NBA MVP, recently made headlines during his appearance on the 48 Minutes Podcast, where he shared some revealing insights about his future with the franchise.

In a candid statement that sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Giannis declared, "At the end of the day, I am a winner. I want to be a winner. Contracts, fame, status, and comfort zone do not matter to me. What matters at the end of the day is that thing right there," he pointed to the NBA championship trophy.

It's a sentiment that underscores his unyielding commitment to securing more NBA championships.

Giannis Sparks NBA Interest

Giannis' remarks were punctuated by earlier comments expressing his desire to see the Bucks exhibit a renewed dedication to winning.

While his current contract binds him to Milwaukee until the 2025 season, his cautious approach to an extension has piqued the interest of the entire NBA community, including the Pelicans. The Pelicans' intrigue stems from the draft compensation owed to them by the Bucks as part of the Jrue Holiday trade in 2020.

New Orleans boasts ownership of four first-round picks from Milwaukee, commencing in 2024. Notably, two of these picks are swap-eligible, contingent upon the Bucks finishing with a poorer record than the Pelicans in 2024 or 2026.

Should Giannis seek a trade from Milwaukee in the near future, New Orleans could potentially find themselves in possession of valuable high draft picks. The future of several Bucks stars remains uncertain, further intensifying the drama.

Former Pelican Jrue Holiday, who played a pivotal role in the Bucks' recent championship run, hinted at the possibility of retirement upon the conclusion of his contract in 2024-2025. Giannis, undoubtedly, craves clarity and a sense of direction before committing to additional years in Milwaukee.

For the New Orleans Pelicans, this presents a golden opportunity. Armed with a treasure trove of first-round picks in the upcoming years, the franchise stands on the precipice of a bright future. While boasting a talented roster, the Pelicans also have the means to further augment their squad through the draft or potentially leverage these coveted picks to acquire established NBA talent.

The strategic utilization of these draft assets will ultimately determine their prospects in the pursuit of an NBA championship. As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain fixed on the dynamic developments in Milwaukee and New Orleans.