The Bucks are seeking clarity regarding what several teams are willing to offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo before reaching a final decision on a trade, league and team sources tell Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
The Celtics, Timberwolves and Magic are among the teams involved in negotiations, according to the authors’ sources. The Trail Blazers have also expressed interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo, but Milwaukee seems to prefer using Portland as a third team to help facilitate a deal and reclaiming some of the draft picks it sent away in the 2023 Damian Lillard trade.
The Heat, who made an aggressive pitch for Antetokounmpo prior to the trade deadline, are still viewed as the frontrunners across the league, according to Amick and Nehm. Many sources expected a deal with Miami to be completed in February before the Bucks pulled out, and the current package is expected to include Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., either Pelle Larsson or Kasparas Jakucionis and draft assets that could involve up to three first-round picks. The authors note that Herro unfollowed the Heat on Instagram this week, creating speculation that a deal was about to get done.
Sources who spoke to Amick and Nehm cited “a sense of distrust” from some teams lingering from the way Milwaukee conducted trade discussions leading up to the deadline. It was the first time that general manager Jon Horst actually welcomed league-wide offers for Antetokounmpo, and the team seemed willing to make a deal. However, skepticism mounted about the Bucks’ “level of sincerity” as the deadline drew close, and the two-time MVP ultimately wasn’t moved.
Amick and Nehm cite the Celtics as posing “a serious threat” to Miami’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo, as league sources tell them that he would be willing to commit to a four-year, $275MM extension with Boston. Jaylen Brown would likely be headed out in that scenario, with the Bucks expected to move him elsewhere in exchange for younger players and draft picks if it winds up being a two-team deal.
Amick and Nehm describe the Wolves as “an emerging option” for Antetokounmpo. It’s been repeatedly stated that he prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference, but league sources tell the authors that the Bucks are interested in what Minnesota could offer. They hear that Milwaukee would want Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr. and their two tradable first-round picks (No. 29 this year and their 2033 selection). However, the Wolves consider McDaniels off limits, according to Amick and Nehm, along with young center Joan Beringer. It’s also not certain, they add, that Antetokounmpo would sign an extension with Minnesota.
Sources tell Amick and Nehm that some teams are asking the Bucks to present them with offers that they would consider acceptable, rather than going back-and-forth with proposals. The hope is not only to get clarity from Milwaukee’s side, but to minimize the number of players whose names get leaked to the media. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam indicated last month that the team hopes to resolve Antetokounmpo’s future by the start of the draft, so that leaves 11 more days for the machinations of a deal to play out.
If Jaden McDaniels is “off limits” in a possible trade for Giannis then Minnesota is not a serious organization. Same with Beringer. Give me a break.
Do you watch T Wolves games? Jaden is VITAL to what we do. He has improved every year. I’d trade him for Giannis, but not with Naz TJ Shannon and 2 1sts. I’d prefer to move Julius or Rudy, picks and a couple pieces for Kyrie.
Most NBA fans are saying the same thing just trade him now and get it over with. Unfortunately once he is traded it will be everyday of where is Lebron going. Sounds like T-wolves want Randle in the trade instead of McDaniels. bucks would counter with throwing in Kuzma and T-wolves would need to make a deal to trade him to a third team.
Since the Finals are basically over and the Draft is still a week and a half away something needs to be talked about. Daily updates on ” Will They, Won’t they” Are pretty much par for the course. He’s probably the best player whose future is up in the air so this week it’s him until there is a resolution, Then Next……Just like AJ Brown in Football. Everyone knew he wasn’t getting traded until after 6/1 but it didn’t stop the hype.
You are correct in Giannis will most likely be traded between now and draft day. If he is not a whole summer of where is he going daily post. Bucjks should have traded him already and now his value went down a little. Bucks waited for that way over priced deal and it never happened.
My Best offer ranking
Celtics
Wolves
Heat
Magic
Herro is declining
Herro has gotten better every year. Just hurt last year. He’s gonna ball this year.
The Bucks should take Miami’s offer, as it appears to be the best. Miami is giving up a LOT, but trying to break up the mediocrity of the last 4 years of play-ins. I say this as a HUGE Tyler Herro fan, and my fandom since 2005 will end upon his departure. Might be time for Riley to call it quits. He’s a LEGEND, but if he can’t right the ship, it may be time to “hang up” the suit.
He won’t sign an extension there if Miami gives up all those guys as originally reported.
Giannis doesn’t want to play for a team that’s been stripped so perhaps he’ll go to the heat if four or five other teams are involved here that could possibly supply the bucks with the first round picks and players they covet.
Giannis is going to the Heat. We know and if not it will be to Boston
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