Several NBA teams exploring a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo believe the Milwaukee Bucks are demanding a haul so large that it would leave any partner unable to contend, league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
According to those sources, Milwaukee’s opening asks have been described as “unrealistically high,” prompting clubs to cool their pursuit of the two-time Most Valuable Player.
Timberwolves learned price went up
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who contacted Milwaukee before February’s trade deadline and reached out again recently, were informed the cost has risen since their initial inquiry, Fischer reported.
Other suitors staying on the sidelines
Despite frequent speculation, the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks have not mounted aggressive bids, per the report.
Celtics weighing how far to go
The Boston Celtics remain linked to Antetokounmpo, but executives there are reportedly reluctant to move far beyond a package built around All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown.
Miami’s framework viewed as benchmark
A growing belief around the league is that Milwaukee is using a concept from the Miami Heat as a starting point while gauging whether stronger proposals emerge ahead of next week’s NBA Draft. The Heat’s framework is said to include Tyler Herro, Kelel Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and the No. 13 overall pick, with additional pieces potentially attached.
For now, it remains unclear whether any franchise will meet the Bucks’ threshold or whether Antetokounmpo will begin next season in another uniform.
Source: Hoops Wire
