The Bucks’ on-again, off-again relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo has entered a new chapter.
After unsuccessfully engaging in trade talks surrounding the two-time MVP in February, the Bucks are again “open for business” on offers for Antetokounmpo ahead of the NBA Draft, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday.
As was the case in February, when the Bucks ultimately decided to hold on to the “Greek Freak,” Milwaukee’s front office will reportedly be looking for a “young blue-chip talent” and/or a sizable package of draft picks.
Antetokounmpo, 31, has spent his entire 13-year career in Milwaukee and helped lead them to a championship in the 2020-21 season.
But with the Bucks falling out of contention in recent seasons, his relationship with the franchise has frayed and he reportedly told team brass last year that he wanted to play for the Knicks.
Talks between the two sides never materialized, as ESPN reported, while contenders like the Timberwolves, Cavs, Celtics, and Lakers are all said to have made calls on Antetokounmpo at this year’s deadline.
Antetokounmpo has just one more guaranteed year on his contract before a player option kicks in the following season.
After Antetokounmpo reportedly expressed an openness to leaving Milwaukee last May, the team decided to hand a $108.7 million deal to Myles Turner in the summer to try and build a contender around their star player.
However, the Bucks never got going this season and looked to be heading for the exit with Antetokounmpo this winter.
That didn’t come to fruition, though, setting up for an awkward last few months of the season as the Bucks finished 32-50 and ultimately parted ways with coach Doc Rivers.
The Bucks will be juggling his future with their plans for the NBA draft, after landing the No. 10 pick in Sunday’s lottery.
The first round of the draft is on June 23.
