The Milwaukee Bucks still envision a future in which Giannis Antetokounmpo is a member of the franchise for the rest of his NBA career. It is difficult to say whether that is oblivious and admirable, or painfully misguided. The writing has been on the wall for everyone to see. The Bucks refuse to read.
Near the beginning of December, a little over a week out from the beginning of trade season, the Giannis rumors started to ramp up, again. Suddenly, franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers were forced to pay attention and evaluate their rosters in the process.
Fast-forward to Dec. 15 and here we are with the most confusing of reports. Bucks insider Eric Nehm is suggesting that Milwaukee is intending to buy, not sell. The goal? Having Antetokounmpo stay with the franchise.
Nehm wrote, "League sources told The Athletic the Bucks have told teams they are looking to add to their roster in hopes of fortifying their struggling team. ... League sources said they’re considering making yet another significant addition that might aid their chances of convincing him to stay."
The ship is sinking in Milwaukee and the Bucks refuse to abandon it
There is no waving of the white flag in Milwaukee, according to Nehm. The franchise is ready to slap duct tape all over this bad boy.
That is, in a nutshell, what they tried to do with the waive and stretch of Damian Lillard. Myles Turner was brought in to help. The former Indiana Pacers big man is a great complimentary piece, but Turner was miscast here by the Bucks.
What is the next great solution they could pursue? Zach LaVine.
Nehm reminded everyone of the report from NBA insider Sam Amick that confirmed league sources had the Bucks doing their 'due diligence' on LaVine. The Sacramento Kings bucket-getter is a good player, but disproportionately so at $47 million.
If Antetokounmpo is nearing the last straw with the franchise, constructing a championship roster with that deal in the mix could be the nail in the coffin of the last ride. None of this bodes well for the Bucks. Yet, somehow, the persistence looks to be unwavering.
Perhaps this does not end without Antetokounmpo outright coming out and vocally begging for a trade. That would be awkward enough that it could not be ignored. Is Giannis really that type of superstar, though? Hard to say, and easy to ignore for Milwaukee in absence of such transparency.