The Milwaukee Bucks have managed to salvage their season after a rocky start. However, they still haven’t asserted themselves as the contenders they usually would.
36 games into the season, the Bucks are 20-16, which puts them as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Could their lack of ability to match expectations lead to a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade request?
According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, no—at least not for the time being. Stein reported that the two parties aren’t interested in splitting at the moment, but also revealed what could change their minds.
“Someday depends on Antetokounmpo pushing the Bucks to trade him … something he has shown no known inclination to do. There remains zero expectation that the Bucks would even consider the notion of trading Antetokounmpo unless he pushed for it,” Stein wrote.
Because the Bucks have struggled, they could make a drastic change, such as trading Damian Lillard and/or Khris Middleton. Trading Giannis would signify that they are starting over.
There is one team keeping their eyes on Antetokounmpo
Stein reported that the Brooklyn Nets are focused on Antetokounmpo as a trade target.
“The Nets have long been described and continue to be painted as a team determined to be in position to trade for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo someday,” Stein wrote.
He added that while Antetokounmpo isn’t going anywhere, the Nets will prepare themselves if and when he requests a trade.
“Rumbles nonetheless persist that the Nets are positioning themselves to be ready for such a moment if it arrives … with financial relief as well as copious amounts of draft capital to offer to the Bucks,” Stein shared.
Antetokounmpo will start a three-year, $173.4 million contract next season, so the Bucks have until then to decide whether they want to move on from him. The two-time MVP has been loyal to Milwaukee, but their lack of playoff success since winning the title could be enough for him to want to leave.
However, Stein’s report indicates that’s a bridge they’ll cross if and when they come to it.
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