As Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo ponders his NBA future, he gained’t let outdoors occasions rush the choice, Shams Charania of ESPN mentioned at present in an look on The Pat McAfee Present (Twitter video hyperlink). There was hypothesis for weeks that the two-time MVP may demand a commerce to enhance his possibilities of profitable one other NBA title, however Charania means that groups could have to attend so much longer.
“His standing won’t be tied to the NBA Draft, it gained’t be tied to free company,” Charania mentioned. “It’s more likely that his future performs out into July and into August when it comes to him seeing the panorama of not solely the Bucks – seeing the panorama of the league, seeing what different groups do.”
Antetokounmpo reportedly met with Bucks officers final month to debate the route of the franchise. Nothing was leaked from that assembly, however there was a way of rising skepticism across the league that Antetokounmpo will truly be on the commerce market this summer season. Charania states that Antetokounmpo’s historical past of being loyal to Milwaukee contributes to that feeling, however cautions that he hasn’t reached a closing resolution but.
“Whenever you’re a star of that caliber, the league strikes the way you need it to maneuver,” Charania added. “The league will transfer if you’re able to ask for a commerce or for those who’re able to say that I’m staying, I wish to be again.”
There’s extra on the Bucks:
- Groups excited about buying and selling for Antetokounmpo have begun to maneuver ahead with alternate methods because the draft and free company draw nearer, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line states in his newest Substack column (subscription required). League sources inform Fischer that the Bucks aren’t contemplating any of the commerce affords they’ve obtained for his or her star ahead, and so they appear to be working as if they count on him to be on the roster subsequent season.
- Milwaukee could discover it difficult to retain free agent heart Brook Lopez, Fischer observes in the identical piece. Sources inform him that the Lakers, who’re identified to be available in the market for heart assist, have been excited about Lopez for a number of years. The Rockets, who had been near signing Lopez two years in the past, could strive once more if they’ll’t attain a brand new cope with Steven Adams, their very own free agent huge man.
- The Bucks are hoping to maintain Bobby Portis, however he might need a number of midlevel affords to select from if he declines his $13.4MM participant choice for subsequent season, Fischer provides. He identifies the Warriors as a doable suitor, noting that Steve Kerr has been a fan of Portis since teaching him within the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
- Stein hears that Kevin Porter Jr., who’s anticipated to say no his $2.55MM participant choice for subsequent season, and Gary Trent Jr. will even draw loads of curiosity on the free agent market.
