Several NBA teams “dreamed” of trade scenarios for Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent weeks. But if you think the Milwaukee Bucks’ wave of free-agent additions has changed that, you’re mistaken. The feeling behind the scenes is that, despite the franchise’s approach during free agency, the star could still leave. According to Brian Windhorst of
ESPN
several rivals still monitor the star’s situation and “hold” assets.
Other teams don’t believe Milwaukee will manage to build a competitive roster around Giannis. And because of that, they’re in waiting mode. This is the main reason, above all, why we haven’t seen certain teams enter the race for
Kevin Durant
. It was no coincidence that
New York Knicks
,
Miami Heat
e
San Antonio Spurs
“for example, did not make proposals,” reported the journalist.
Speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo’s departure intensified after the team’s elimination.
Bucks
NBA playoffs. The third “collapse” in the first round of the knockout stage increased rumors that he might request a trade. However, as weeks passed, the story “cooled down.” Even so, Windhorst assures that the league views the Greek star’s trade as only a matter of time.
We saw the choices of
draft
in 2026 from Milwaukee will be traded on draft night for high value. This happens because other teams question whether the team will actually be strong in the upcoming season. And, above all, they wonder about Giannis’ presence. After all, can you trust that he’ll be there in October?” explained the reporter.
It’s safe to say that the trade rumors involving
Giannis Antetokounmpo
the NBA diminished greatly on this Tuesday. The Bucks demonstrated urgency by making the most unexpected trade of the
offseason
The franchise
rescinded
the contract of
Damian Lillard
and then closed with the pivot
Myles Turner
It was an important move, but still not enough to end the player’s doubts.
Giannis certainly understood the importance of the movement for Myles. The evaluation, however, goes beyond just one day. I heard that he will evaluate all of the organization’s decisions during the
offseason
entire. So, just wait for a decision regarding his staying in Milwaukee or not at the end of the break,” said journalist Shams Charania, from
ESPN
.
Besides Turner, for now, the Bucks have only limited themselves to retaining some of their free agents. No one will know if that’s enough until Antetokounmpo decides, essentially. “At the end of this period, Giannis will look in the mirror and see whether the roster assembled can help him become a champion once again. The answer to that question, ultimately, will determine the future of the organization,” concluded Charania.
Liking Antetokounmpo today can have a brutal financial impact on the team in the near future. After all, waiving Lillard with the stretch provision will have a long-term effect on the payroll. It will result in five seasons where more than 10% of the cap’s value is committed to a player who won’t even be on the roster. Analyst Zach Lowe, however, understands the drastic decision.
“Firing Damian was a desperate move. There’s no other way to define it. But everything I’ve heard behind the scenes is that Giannis is committed to playing for a competitive team. He’s no longer willing to be part of teams that go nowhere. So, if he wants to compete, Milwaukee simply did what was necessary,” assessed the website commentator.
The Ringer
.
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