The young season of the Milwaukee Bucks (1-5) has started far from what was expected for the 2021 championship team. They are currently tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the worst record in the Eastern Conference, with only the Utah Jazz, who have yet to win a game, having a worse record in the entire NBA. The last time the Bucks started this poorly was in 2000-2001, when they made it to the conference finals but lost to Allen Iverson’s 76ers, who went on to lose to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.

Bad start leads to Giannis trade rumors

So not all hope is lost for the Bucks – they still have plenty of time to right the ship under Doc Rivers, who has led the team to a awful 18-24 record since taking over on January 26. Rivers needs to make some adjustments because this team is competitive, much better than their current record reflects. Given the struggles, there have been numerous rumors about Giannis’ future with the Bucks, and some intriguing teams have entered the conversation.

I want to make it clear that I doubt Giannis will leave the team anytime soon. He’s under contract through 2027 with the franchise that drafted him in the first round (15th overall) in 2013. That season, the Bucks finished 15-67-the worst record in franchise history-so Giannis knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom as a rookie. I doubt this still-reversible situation will affect him or Damian Lillard, two veterans confident in their abilities to compete with the Boston Celtics in the East.

Best Trade Destinations for Giannis

The Golden State Warriors (5-1) are one of five teams with one loss or less, even with Stephen Curry missing half the games with an ankle injury. While it would be an ideal destination for fans, I doubt the Warriors have much to offer the Bucks beyond draft picks in a trade. Perhaps Jonathan Kuminga, who likely won’t be with the team after this season, could be included as he finishes out his contract and becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Miami Heat (3-2) could make a move similar to LeBron James‘ “decision” in 2010 when he left Cleveland for Miami, where he won his first two championships in a row. Giannis already has a title in Milwaukee, and while the Heat have more to offer than the Warriors, it would be unwise for the Bucks to strengthen a direct rival. Putting Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Giannis on the same team would be almost unfair.

Other rumored destinations include switching conferences to join the Memphis Grizzlies, where the combination of Ja Morant and rookie Zach Edey could give them a very promising future. The Brooklyn Nets have also been mentioned, although it sounds illogical given their lack of direction after the departures of Durant, Kyrie and Harden. Another option is the Toronto Raptors, where he could join Scottie Barnes; however, the team lacks many star players and has little chance of achieving what Giannis is aiming for – his second championship.