After stating throughout a number of tv appearances this week {that a} Giannis Antetokounmpo commerce seems unlikely to occur within the brief time period, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reiterated that time on Friday in a an ESPN.com story co-authored by Tim Bontemps.
In the mean time, Windhorst and Bontemps say, the expectation across the NBA is that Antetokounmpo will nonetheless be in Milwaukee by the point the 2025/26 season ideas off.
Nevertheless, the ESPN duo stresses that’s simply the place issues stand as of as we speak. It doesn’t essentially imply the scenario gained’t change sooner or later this offseason, since there’s no indication Antetokounmpo has definitively instructed the Bucks that he’s staying. It stays potential he may request a change of surroundings later in the summertime if he decides he’s not thrilled with the crew’s course.
For now although, the Bucks aren’t listening to commerce inquiries on Antetokounmpo and aren’t anticipated to make any deal involving the two-time MVP within the brief time period.
Right here’s extra on the Bucks from Windhorst and Bontemps:
- In conferences for the reason that Bucks’ season ended, basic supervisor Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers have offered plans to maintain the core of the roster intact round Antetokounmpo, per ESPN. Milwaukee went 10-4 with out Damian Lillard in March and April and is optimistic about its capacity to contend for a top-six playoff spot till he’s able to return, which the membership hopes will occur earlier than the tip of the 2025/26 season, as Windhorst and Bontemps clarify.
- Personnel across the NBA are curious in regards to the Bucks’ urge for food to be a taxpayer in ’25/26 after paying substantial penalties lately, in response to Windhorst and Bontemps, who hear from sources that the crew is certainly ready to function above the tax line once more. It will be tough for the Bucks to retain free agent massive males Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis with out surpassing that threshold, ESPN’s duo notes.
- Whereas Milwaukee could also be a taxpayer once more subsequent season, rival groups suppose the Bucks will look to function under the primary tax apron, giving them entry to no less than a part of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The crew may have that MLE to signal a free agent level guard to step in for Lillard. In accordance with Windhorst and Bontemps, Dennis Schröder, Tyus Jones, and Malcolm Brogdon are just a few names to observe.
