NBA Rumors: 4 Teams Giannis Antetokounmpo is most likely to leave Bucks for

Chicago Bulls

The idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Chicago Bulls may seem surprising. He was asked by Fox 32 Chicago last summer about the chances of him playing for the Bulls someday. Here’s part of what he said:

"“I think anybody you ask that question that plays basketball, if he said no, he’d be a liar. It’s a team that won multiple championships. It’s a team with one of the greatest players—if not the greatest player to ever play this game—played for. It’s a no-brainer. Everybody would love to play for Chicago. Down the line, you never know. You never know how life brings it. Maybe I’ll play for Chicago, but right now I’m committed to Milwaukee.”"

Antetokounmpo has other interests in Chicago. Earlier this year the Bucks star partnered with Chicago-based Calamos Investments to launch a new investment venture, the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equity Fund. One of Giannis’ agents, Alex Saratsis, is based in Chicago. There is also a large Greek community in Chicago who I’m sure would love to have him in the Windy City.

That last part isn’t necessarily a reason for Giannis to sign with the Bulls. It certainly doesn’t hurt.

There’s also the basketball part. The Bulls were first in the Eastern Conference in the 2021-22 season before Lonzo Ball’s knee injury. They have kept the same core in place since. Chicago is on track to have cap space to sign a top-tier star like Giannis. Or they could build a trade package centered around Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and picks.

A Bulls team that could include Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White alongside Giannis doesn’t sound bad to me. It also wouldn’t be a far move for him down Interstate 94. Just saying.