Milwaukee has temporarily silenced speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. The two-time MVP told reporters he is “confident” in the Bucks’ revamped lineup and is not seeking a trade, though he declined to make a long-term commitment.
Team sources cited by ESPN’s Jamal Collier said the organization remains “fully aligned” with Antetokounmpo. One executive insisted the decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard’s contract to sign center Myles Turner was aimed at maximizing the superstar’s prime rather than reacting to outside pressure. “The biggest misconception is that this was a panic move. It was a basketball decision,” the source said. “Myles is a perfect fit. We want to win here.”
Antetokounmpo is signed through the 2027-28 season, holding a player option for the final year, and will be eligible for another extension next summer. “Always got to hold ownership’s feet to the fire,” a source close to the forward told ESPN.
The 28-year-old has started the season in dominant fashion, compiling 31 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists in Friday’s win over Toronto. According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, he is the first player in league history to reach 60 points, 30 rebounds and 10 assists over the first two games of a season. “He’s the best player in the world,” teammate Cole Anthony said.
Nuggets’ Watson Heads Toward Restricted Free Agency
Denver swingman Peyton Watson did not finalize a rookie-scale extension before Monday’s deadline, positioning him for restricted free agency in July. “From what I understand, it was just a financial business decision,” Watson told Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, noting the Nuggets’ desire to avoid the second luxury-tax apron. “When it’s my turn next summer, I’ll have to make my own business decision.”
Assistant coach David Adelman praised Watson’s preseason performance and said the 21-year-old can “set his own market” with a strong campaign. Denver would have crossed the second apron by offering more than roughly $7 million annually, leading to harsher roster-building penalties under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Hollinger Highlights 2025-26 Breakout Candidates
In a preview for The Athletic, former Grizzlies executive John Hollinger listed 12 players poised for major jumps, headlined by Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić. Surprise names included Sandro Mamukelashvili (Raptors), Terrence Shannon Jr. (Timberwolves), and Wizards duo Cam Whitmore and Kyshawn George, each projected to take significant steps forward in the 2025-26 season.
The Bucks’ early stability, Watson’s contract stance and Hollinger’s long-view projections set the stage for ongoing storylines as the NBA season unfolds.
Source: Hoops Wire
