The post NBA insider reveals a roadblock between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cavaliers trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have pulled off a shock trade this month, sending Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for James Harden.
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But the Cavaliers may not be satisfied with acquiring a future Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. One NBA insider believes Cleveland has a backdoor to secure another deal before Thursday’s trade deadline.
More: James Harden-Darius Garland trade results: Cavaliers win, Clippers look ahead
On Wednesday, Sam Amick revealed a hurdle the Cavaliers must clear to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could be on his way out of Milwaukee within the next 24 hours.
Amick reports that NBA executives believe Cleveland can afford to move center Jarrett Allen to make financial space for Antetokounmpo, who would join Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley in the Eastern Conference’s strongest starting lineup.
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“It would allow them to start swinging for the fences,” Amick told FanDuel TV before the deadline about a possible Allen trade. “Some people around the league thought they might be trying to get in on the Giannis sweepstakes.”
Allen’s three-year, $90 million contract extension takes effect next year, and he will be a key salary-matching part of Antetokounmpo’s deal. The two-time MVP is eligible for an extension in the summer and can become a free agent in 2027 if he declines his $62.8 million player option.
Trading Antetokounmpo to a division rival would certainly not sit well with the Bucks. But if Antetokounmpo indicates he’s willing to re-sign in Cleveland, Milwaukee will likely try to broker that — though the ultimate asking price may be high.
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