Antetokounmpo s battle heats up! Raptors and Grizzlies become unexpectedly dark horse

On June 1, there were rumors that Antetokounmpo might leave the team this summer, and now there are new trends. In addition to the Spurs, Rockets and other teams that have been hotly discussed, BR's well-known reporter Dan Favalai pointed out that the two teams, Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies, may become "unexpected dark horses" in the competition for Antetokounmpo.

Grizzlies: Create a "Flying and Earth" duo

Favalai pointed out that the Grizzlies management was extremely active before the trading deadline this year, and even actively pursued this tough guy before Jimmy Butler was traded to the Warriors.

Grizzlies' ambitions are obvious - if they can bring Antetokounmpo to Memphis and form a partner with their own signature star Ja Morant, the league will immediately give birth to a super combination of explosive talents and top stars. The scene of Morant breaking through and passing the ball and Antetokounmpo's all-dunk is exciting to think about.

In order to get Antetokounmpo, the Grizzlies are likely to be willing to give away core players like Jaren Jackson Jr. or Desmond Bain as their main bargaining chips, providing the Bucks with an undeniable offer. After experiencing the ups and downs of this season, the Grizzlies are eager to make a big move this offseason, and Antetokounmpo may be the ultimate answer they are looking for.

Raptors: Ujeri's "big bet" gene reappears

The eyes turn to Toronto, the Raptors general manager Marseille Ujeri's name is always closely linked to bold operations. Favalai analyzed that Ujri has always been known for his courage to gamble during his tenure. The last time his shocking move brought Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors and directly achieved the first championship trophy in team history.

Although the cost of getting Antetokounmpo now is bound to be far more than the cost of replacing small cards back then, Ujri's ideas are consistent - to exchange the future for the present, aim at the top stars, and strive for the highest honor.

If Antetokounmpo can be successfully included, the Raptors, which has a huge international market, will instantly return to the first echelon of the championship. Young talents such as Scotty Barnes in the Raptors are enough to become trading assets that attract the Bucks.

However, Favalai also bluntly stated that in any trading plan involving Antetokounmpo, the Raptors "will probably have to include Scotty Barnes in it." Of course, if Barnes can be miraculously retained, the Raptors' future will be bright. With Ujeri's usual style of conduct, the Raptors are definitely capable of causing trouble in the battle for Antetokounmpo, and are a "dark horse" that cannot be ignored.

Antetokounmpo's next stop has already ignited the league's first offseason. The Grizzlies are eager to form a two-star combination that shocks the league, while the Raptors hope that General Manager Ujri will return to the glory of winning the championship in the past. As the Bucks management examines the possible quotations on the table, Antetokounmpo's name will remain the center of the entire NBA storm.