NBA Draft Rumors: Bucks’ Draft Maneuvers Stoke Giannis Talk; Nets Keep Options Open; Kings Linked to Acuff
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Chicago — Front-office chatter at the NBA Draft Combine suggests Milwaukee may be preparing to add more than its lone first-round pick, intensifying leaguewide speculation about a possible trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Bucks acting as if more picks are coming
Rival executives told ESPN’s Jeremy Woo they observed the Bucks operating as though multiple draft selections could be in hand before draft night. Milwaukee currently owns just one first-rounder.
The scene follows reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania that the franchise has listened to offers for the two-time MVP, while colleague Tim Bontemps noted a “growing belief” that a deal could materialize ahead of the draft. No negotiations are known to be close.
Mock drafts by Woo, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, and Hoops Wire all slot Tennessee forward Nate Ament to Milwaukee at No. 10.
Nets weigh multiple scenarios at No. 6
Brooklyn has not locked in on a specific target with the sixth pick, according to league sources. O’Connor’s latest projection pairs the Nets with Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, but insiders also linked the club to prospects Aday Mara and Nate Ament.
Woo reported that Brooklyn could move up or down the board depending on how the first five selections unfold, underscoring the team’s flexible approach as it continues to reshape its roster.
Kings viewed as strong suitor for Acuff
Both ESPN and Yahoo Sports identified Arkansas guard Darius Acuff as a leading candidate for Sacramento at No. 7. The Kings are seeking an additional point-guard option, and O’Connor pointed to existing ties between Acuff and members of the Kings’ front office—connections that frequently carry weight during the pre-draft process.
Draft night is scheduled for June 26, giving teams several weeks to finalize strategies and, potentially, reshape the board through trades.
Source: Hoops Wire
