Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis have initiated conversations with the team about the two-time MVP’s future, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
According to Charania, Antetokounmpo and Saratsis are talking to the Bucks in the hopes of determining whether the forward’s best fit is in Milwaukee or elsewhere, with a resolution expected in the coming weeks.
Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee became the subject of intense scrutiny over the offseason after the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for a third consecutive year and lost Damian Lillard to an Achilles tear in the process.
Although the 30-year-old has repeatedly expressed his love for the city and the franchise, he has also made it clear that being in position to contend for titles remains his number one goal. Antetokounmpo was said to have “serious questions” about the Bucks’ championship potential and spoke to the team over the summer about the idea of exploring a possible “alternative path forward.” At that time, he reportedly conveyed that he’d be interested in the Knicks if he were to leave Milwaukee.
The Bucks briefly engaged in trade talks with the Knicks, according to reports, but weren’t compelled by what New York had to offer and gained no traction toward a deal. Instead of moving Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s front office did its best to try to upgrade the roster around him, waiving and stretching Lillard’s maximum-salary contract in order to make room to sign center Myles Turner, one of the top free agents on the market.
According to Charania, Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucks ahead of the season and came into camp expecting to evaluate how the first 25 or so games of the season went before making any decisions about his future. Asked during the preseason about the report linking him to the Knicks, Giannis expressed confidence in Milwaukee’s revamped roster, but didn’t deny the rumor and didn’t rule out the possibility that he could change his mind “in six, seven months.”
After a strong 4-1 start this fall, the Bucks have slumped, losing eight of their past nine games to drop to 9-13, which puts the team outside the top 10 in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee has outscored opponents by 8.8 points per 100 possessions when Antetokounmpo is on the court, but has a dismal -11.0 net rating when he’s not on the floor.
Sources who spoke to ESPN described the Bucks’ recent skid as frustrating for Antetokounmpo and the rest of the organization, with one source suggesting the “writing is on the wall” for a potential change of scenery for the superstar forward unless Milwaukee can begin turning things around in the very near future.
While the Knicks had something of an exclusive negotiating window in the offseason, that wouldn’t be the case if Antetokounmpo decides to ask for a trade this winter, Charania writes. A number of teams around the NBA would likely get involved in that scenario — the Heat and Nets are among many clubs who have been described in the past as potential suitors.
More to come…
They can have anyone besides Luka.
GSW can offer more and a better picks package if they put everyone but Curry on the table.
Cry baby will be a Knickerbocker before the weekend ✌️
Those morons won’t give up Brunson (a much worse player than Giannis).
Minnesota perhaps?
Bulls
How funny would it be if he ends up on GSW after how mad you all got on here at me and all the arguing you dudes did with me, just for bringing it up. Crazy. Steph and Giannis are the perfect duo. Shame you all hate me so much you are willing to argue otherwise.
to the lakers for a 2nd round pick and a 12 pack of miller lite
OKC has picks. That’s a very dangerous proposition.
Do they wanna give up Chet though?
I would in a SECOND,
OKC is already 21-1. They are not trading for Giannis lol. He doesn’t improve the team.
Interesting from a NY point of view. Do the Bucks wont to be somewhat competitive or total rebuild going salary matching and picks? This determines who has best trade packages.
Atl would be super cool
Trae and Tingus for G and Kuzma is a perfect salary match, they can pop in that Pelicans pick along with a few others
I think G wants a bigger market but ATL imo would be a sweet spot for him and they would be deadly