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[Saba Sports News] The Milwaukee Bucks may not have seriously explored trading Giannis Antetokounmpo before the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean the idea is completely off the table.
While one ESPN reporter recently claimed that neither the Bucks nor Giannis are considering a trade, Shams Charania maintains that the door remains open. Back in May, Charania reported that Antetokounmpo was more open than ever to the idea of playing somewhere other than Milwaukee.
Speaking on Thursday’s episode of Get Up, Charania said the two-time MVP is closely monitoring the team’s offseason moves.
“He’s been there 12 years, so there’s equity in watching what they do at the draft, in free agency, and how they can improve the team,” Charania said. “He’s said publicly he wants to compete for a championship. With free agents like Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Kevin Porter Jr., we’ll see what they do. He’s going to remain open-minded.”
Charania emphasized that Antetokounmpo’s decision likely won’t hinge on this week alone. “It’s going to be a process into July — maybe well into July — as he evaluates the team and the rest of the league,” he said.
The Bucks do have a favorable outlook in a weakened Eastern Conference. The Celtics have traded multiple key players, and both Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton are expected to miss most, if not all, of next season with Achilles injuries. Even with Damian Lillard sidelined indefinitely, Milwaukee should still contend.
While Antetokounmpo has poked fun at Charania over the trade chatter, Charania still believes a blockbuster move can’t be ruled out.