Giannis Antetokounmpo Stays in Milwaukee as Deadline Passes; Heat, Wolves and Lakers Plot Summer Moves
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Milwaukee — The Milwaukee Bucks chose not to move Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s trade deadline, delaying any decision on the two-time MVP’s future until the offseason.
Soon after the deadline expired, Antetokounmpo posted on social media, writing “Legends don’t chase. They attract” alongside a clip from The Wolf of Wall Street in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s character declares, “I’m not leaving.”
According to NBA on Prime reporter Chris Haynes, sources close to the 31-year-old reiterated that Antetokounmpo never asked for a trade. Haynes added that the forward is “committed and focused” on rehabbing the calf injury that has sidelined him, and could be healthy enough to play in the Feb. 15 All-Star Game.
Heat learned late about Bucks’ stance
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reported that Miami officials were informed late Wednesday night that Milwaukee was likely to keep Antetokounmpo. The Heat had explored “doing whatever it took” to acquire the nine-time All-NBA selection, but the Bucks preferred to evaluate offers in the summer. Jackson noted that Golden State had already sensed earlier in the week that Milwaukee did not plan to deal its franchise star.
Teams question whether Giannis was truly available
An executive from another interested team told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that the Bucks never provided a clear price for Antetokounmpo, leading that club to doubt Milwaukee’s willingness to make a deal before the deadline.
Timberwolves interest never reached advanced talks
Sources told The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski that Antetokounmpo has expressed interest in playing alongside Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. The Timberwolves surveyed the league about potential returns for several rotation players, but discussions with Milwaukee stalled early. New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez reportedly questioned whether parting with Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and rookie Joan Beringer made sense given Antetokounmpo’s age and injury history.
Lakers preparing an offseason push
The Los Angeles Times’ Broderick Turner reported that the Lakers intend to pursue Antetokounmpo aggressively this summer, when they will control three tradable first-round picks instead of the single pick available this week. Turner added that New York and Miami are believed to be Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations, though the 13-year veteran has not ruled out Los Angeles.
The Bucks now face an offseason in which multiple contenders are expected to test Milwaukee’s resolve to keep their franchise cornerstone.
Source: Hoops Rumors
