Spurs thankful Giannis Antetokounmpo trade delay worked in their favor

Despite the surprising electricity coming from this year's trade deadline, all eyes have been on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. For the past few weeks, all anyone could talk about was the impending future of the Greek Freak. As we approached the end of the trade deadline, fans eagerly awaited the result of the trade request. However, that excitement would come to a quick halt.

According to Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks made it clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo would remain a Buck through the trade deadline. Just like that, the party was over. While fans of several opposing teams are putting their heads down in disappointment, Spurs faithful should be jumping for joy.

The Spurs should be thankful that Giannis was not traded

Recently, reports indicated that San Antonio would not be targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite having a trade package that blows every other team out of the water, the logistics of acquiring the two-time MVP didn't match up. The current construction of the Spurs is too good to break up, and it's best that the team see what they can do before making a franchise-altering move.

Although the decision was made to move past Giannis, the attention on the megastar did not waver. As the Spurs enthusiastically await their first playoff appearance in seven years, they would prefer if the gauntlet didn't get any harder. If Antetokounmpo were traded to a Western Conference rival, that would certainly happen.

Among the teams that were a part of the Greek Freak sweepstakes were the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. As each team owns a game-breaking superstar, adding another one would have been a handful for the Spurs. Could you imagine going up against a combination of Steph Curry and Giannis? Or perhaps Anthony Edwards and Giannis. Absolutely frightening.

While their depth would be in question, these teams would receive a major boost with Giannis on their roster, instantly becoming championship contenders. No matter who else is on your squad, having Antetokounmpo makes you a whole lot more dangerous.

Further, it has yet to be proven if the Spurs know how to handle a dominant force like Giannis. In four games against Victor Wembanyama, Antetokounmpo has averaged 31.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. With the Frenchman's limber build, he may not be built to handle the Greek Freak's bullying. Luckily, though, that will be a conversation for another day.

As the Spurs feared what could come out of the Antetokounmpo trade request, they can now breathe a strong sigh of relief. For now, the former Finals MVP will be out of the Western Conference, and San Antonio can get back to focusing on their quest for a championship without Giannis in the way.