Clippers can stop dreaming of Kevin Durant as unexpected update ruins plans

Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Though picturing Milwaukee Bucks’ legend Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating outside of Wisconsin would be impossible to see, it seemed like the chances had risen once they lost in the first round. This stems from the Antetokounmpo update brought to fans by Shams Charania, who mentioned that the 2021 NBA Champion was trying to envision himself competing elsewhere.

However, Antetokounmpo has always been cut from a different cloth, and this is through his humble, loyal, and never-give-up-on-the-grind principles. He always seemed to be one of the last players of this generation to start and finish his career with the same team, which ultimately made it more shocking that a trade could have been requested from his end.

Furthermore, given that Antetokounmpo could have potentially been on the trade block, Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant was officially the second-best superstar available. They are similar in production, but the Bucks’ icon is six years younger.

Hence, the Clippers name had been alive until this point in acquiring Durant, as the teams with more to offer would chase the top talent. Additionally, Antetokounmpo’s contract is years longer than what the Suns have left with the three-time scoring champion.

That said, through a recent interview Antetokounmpo participated in, it was revealed Tuesday morning that the idea of him being traded is no longer viable, moving Durant to a level the Clippers cannot reach.

Kevin Durant to the LA Clippers went from realistic to unrealistic after Giannis Antetokounmpo unexpectedly took himself off the market

Although Shams Charania or the NBA have reported nothing official, Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke about the NBA Finals in an interview and added that he would like to return to the well-lit stage as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The mindset that Antetokounmpo possesses speaks volumes about his character, as no matter how many times he is sent home in the first round, he is adamant about starting over in a new season and trying again. Stars nowadays prefer to leave after realizing their hard work was for nothing, but the two-time MVP is displaying why he is distinct.

Antetokounmpo’s words indirectly signal he will be unavailable after all, and teams like the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors, who were chasing another superstar, now overlap the LA Clippers with more draft capital and assets to send to The Valley. 

That said, dreams are not meant to be given up on, but the Clippers’ of Kevin Durant must fade away as they will not be able to provide more than their peers in the same boat.