New details on a potential trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Milwaukee Bucks face a major offseason that could change the course of their franchise as they potentially move on from their franchise player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis' name has been involved in trade rumors for nearly a year now, dating back to last offseason when the New York Knicks reportedly had an offer for Giannis, and there was mutual interest in him joining the franchise.
Giannis remained with the only team he's ever played for, but that didn't stop rumors from swirling, especially as the Bucks faltered throughout the season, falling further and further away from making the playoffs.
By the trade deadline, a divorce between the two sides seemed inevitable, but the Bucks held firm on their trade stance and hoped to salvage the season by potentially gaining a play-in spot with Giannis leading the team.
An injury to Giannis in March dashed any play-in or playoff hopes, and a disconnect with the front office only ignited the trade rumors more going into the offseason.
The Draft Lottery And A Giannis Deal
The NBA Draft Lottery takes place on Sunday, and teams looking to acquire Giannis will have a better idea of their future once the ping pong balls are settled. So will the Bucks.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said about the lottery and Giannis, “The lottery is Sunday. They’re going to know who has high picks and what teams with high picks might have interest in Giannis. That’s very important for a possible trade. The Bucks can’t look at a Giannis trade and think they’re going to tank their way to a high pick. If they’re going to trade him they need to trade for players who can help them right now.”
The Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors were two teams interested in Giannis who are also in the lottery.
The Heat have the 13th overall pick as it currently stands, while the Warriors have the 11th overall pick. Both teams have a small chance to move into the top four.
Milwaukee's Picks
Milwaukee has the tenth overall pick, but if it moves into the top four, it will go to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Bucks don't have control of their own first-round pick until 2031, as they could owe their 2027 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans and their 2028-2030 picks to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Trading Giannis would signify a move towards a rebuild, which becomes increasingly difficult without their own first round picks.