NBA Trade Rumblings: Bucks Pick Heat’s Offer for Antetokounmpo; Pelicans Retain Young Wings; Rockets Keep Eye on Leonard
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Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee Bucks accepted the Miami Heat’s proposal for Giannis Antetokounmpo after weighing at least four serious trade bids, ESPN reported.
According to the network, Antetokounmpo was willing to sign a long-term extension only with Miami or the Boston Celtics, eliminating other suitors. Both finalists submitted final offers Sunday, and Bucks executives spent Monday debating which package to take. Internal discussions were described as “spirited” before Milwaukee committed to the Heat’s deal.
General manager Jon Horst had long leaned toward Miami’s framework, the report said. The Heat strengthened their proposal by adding the No. 13 overall pick once it became trade-eligible. Boston’s refusal to include young players Hugo Gonzalez or Baylor Scheierman was viewed as a factor that tipped the decision toward Miami.
Pelicans Stand Pat on Murphy and Jones
New Orleans is not actively shopping Trey Murphy III or Herbert Jones, sources told Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. While the Pelicans have taken calls, the conversations have not reflected an effort to move either forward.
The club explored acquiring a later first-round pick earlier this week but never intended to trade Murphy or Jones straight up for such a selection without additional assets, the report added.
Rockets Monitoring Potential Leonard Availability
Houston may enter the conversation if Kawhi Leonard becomes available, Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported. The Rockets, along with San Antonio and Toronto, are considered destinations where the forward would be open to signing an extension following a trade.
League opinion on the Los Angeles Clippers’ plans is divided. One source told Grange the team has no intention of dealing Leonard, while others believe both sides could eventually agree to part ways.
Source: Hoops Wire
