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Bucks may struggle trading Giannis Antetokounmpo for one self-inflicted reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NBA Draft is just a few weeks away, and trade rumors have ramped up around players, including Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Milwaukee hasn’t just recently looked into the idea of trading him, as this dates back to the regular season, when they were reportedly talking to teams about his availability.
With the offseason here, it seems like this is the most realistic time for a trade to actually happen, but it might be difficult for Milwaukee because of something the Bucks did a few months ago that rubbed teams the wrong way.
Bucks may struggle trading Giannis Antetokounmpo for one self-inflicted reason
Julian Ojeda of ClutchPoints revealed that teams “remain skeptical of the Milwaukee Bucks because of how the organization handled discussions involving the two-time MVP before the trade deadline.”
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With Giannis being one of the best players in the NBA when healthy, teams were bound to have trade interest in the multi-time MVP, as a player of his caliber doesn’t become available often.
MORE: NBA players reveal most likely outcome for Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and it’s not what you think
Even though the Bucks’ front office has gone back and forth on their stance regarding Giannis’ trade availability, Ojeda pointed out that it at least appeared that Milwaukee was willing to hear offers on Giannis.
They went on to not trade him at the deadline and kept him for the rest of the season, after months of drama and uncertainty.
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Ojeda quoted The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm in his intel report, re-stating their report, which said the Bucks seemed to only be gauging which teams would make players/picks available for Giannis.
This was likely done so Milwaukee could enter the offseason with an idea of which team would give the strongest offer. They didn’t seem to really have an interest in trading away Giannis mid-season.
Teams interested in Giannis didn’t like the lack of transparency here, which could impact their willingness to attempt trading for Giannis, and the Bucks may have to provide their asking price rather than be given offers.
