The Bucks are off to a gradual begin this season and NBA executives are quietly hoping that the 2022 champs will crash and burn, as a result of it might imply that Giannis Antetokounmpo can be up for grabs.
“Groups are circling — and hopeful,” one Western Convention workforce govt advised CBS Sports activities.
A prime govt of a workforce that could possibly be within the combine for the Greek Freak mentioned, “I wouldn’t be shocked if it occurred by the commerce deadline.”
An Japanese Convention govt has been listening to the whispers and says Giannis’ most well-liked locations could be the Nets and the Warmth.
The Thunder is a workforce that can be risk, given the quantity of draft capital the franchise would have the ability to present the Bucks with.
“I haven’t heard them talked about, however yeah, if you happen to’re Milwaukee you may simply go, ‘I don’t give a f— what you need. If you need out, we’re getting the very best deal we will.’ And Oklahoma Metropolis might undoubtedly supply a very good one,” the Japanese Convention govt mentioned.
One other drama that will trigger Giannis to exit stage left is how a lot pull Doc Rivers is gaining on the franchise, a lot in order that he’s “already gained over the proprietor sufficient that he’s now the important thing voice in basketball choices,” CBS says.
“They inform me it’s as much as Doc now, that they’re going to attend 20 video games after which see what Doc desires,” mentioned one particular person conversant in the Bucks’ front-office inner-workings. “It sounds prefer it’s a large number.”
Antetokounmpo himself has even helped gas the rumors. A few weeks again he alluded to being traded if this 12 months goes stomach up.
“If we don’t win this 12 months, would you get fired?” the Bucks star requested a staffer, through The Athletic. “Do you’ve it at the back of your thoughts, like, ‘(What) if this 12 months doesn’t go effectively?’ Yeah, if we don’t win a championship, I’d get traded. Yeah, that is the job we stay. That is the world we’re dwelling in. It’s everyone.”
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