The league’s biggest domino may finally be wobbling. Multiple teams are now aggressively pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the February 5th trade deadline, and for the first time in his career, the Bucks are listening.
The Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors have all emerged as serious suitors for the two-time MVP, as league sources say Milwaukee is more open than ever to discussing offers, according to ESPN.
While the Bucks are not rushing a deal, they have made it clear that they are willing to explore Antetokounmpo’s future if their price, a blue-chip young player and/or a massive draft-pick haul, is met.
Antetokounmpo has been communicating for months that he believes the time has come to part ways after more than 12 years with the franchise.
The Bucks’ struggles this season have only accelerated those conversations, sources told ESPN.
That Milwaukee sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and internal discussions between the front office and the star have turned increasingly honest.
When asked earlier this month if he was confident he would finish the season in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo did not offer reassurance.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. I take it day by day,” he said.
After a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, the frustration was even clearer.
“We’re not playing hard,” Antetokounmpo said. “We aren’t doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry’s not there. Guys are being selfish, trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys trying to do it on their own.”
Milwaukee’s roster was retooled last offseason after waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s remaining contract to sign Myles Turner, a move that ownership, general manager Jon Horst, and head coach Doc Rivers sold as a final push toward contention.
But the results have fallen flat, and Antetokounmpo privately explored potential external fits before recommitting to give the season a chance.
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