Rumor Roundup: Bucks Plan for Extra Pick, Doncic Pushes Lakers, Kings Face Cap Crunch
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Bucks
The timeline surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future remains fluid, but Milwaukee appears to be preparing for an early resolution. League sources told The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer that the Bucks are acting as if they will control more than their current No. 10 selection in next week’s NBA Draft. Specifically, team officials reportedly believe they could land the No. 13 pick, which is presently held by the Miami Heat and has frequently surfaced in proposed Antetokounmpo trade packages.
Miami and Boston continue to be identified as the franchises most closely connected to Antetokounmpo. According to Fischer, executives around the league think the two-time MVP would be open to signing a long-term extension with either club.
Lakers
Luka Doncic expects the Los Angeles Lakers to use their salary-cap flexibility this offseason to construct an immediate title contender, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported. “Luka wants to be a championship team yesterday,” a source close to the All-Star guard told ESPN.
The Lakers have long earmarked the summer of 2026 as a pivotal window, but pressure is mounting now. Doncic, who missed the postseason because of a hamstring injury, was cleared for full basketball activities in late May and has already resumed workouts. The franchise’s challenge is upgrading the supporting cast around him before training camp.
Kings
Sacramento could look different when next season opens. Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron reported that the Kings, currently projected to sit above the league’s first tax apron despite missing the playoffs, may need to trim payroll by moving veteran contracts or making other cost-cutting moves.
One player likely to remain is free-agent big man Precious Achiuwa. Team insider James Ham indicated the Kings intend to bring Achiuwa back, possibly on another minimum or similarly team-friendly deal. The forward previously expressed interest in staying in Sacramento, and club officials reportedly share that sentiment.
Source: Hoops Wire
