The Bucks are “very much aware” of Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s desire to play in Miami and appear to be using that as leverage in trade talks with the Heat, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald (Twitter link).
Jackson believes Milwaukee officials want to leave the Heat in a “compromised roster position” that will make it difficult for them to compete for a title. His advice to Antetokounmpo is to state publicly that he will only sign an extension with Miami, which would discourage other potential bidders from getting involved.
While Antetokounmpo and his representatives haven’t felt it necessary to take that step, Jackson notes that it could help prevent the Heat from having to attach another young asset such as Kasparas Jakucionis or Pelle Larsson to the reported offer of Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and draft assets.
Jackson also cites a Pro Basketball Talk report from Saturday stating that the Magic don’t intend to pursue Antetokounmpo and plan to “run it back” with their current roster next season.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto confirms a Friday report from Marc Stein of The Stein Line that the Pistons have interest in acquiring Herro as a third team in a Heat-Bucks trade. In addition to draft picks, Scotto lists Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland and Duncan Robinson as assets that could be offered in a Herro deal. He notes that Robinson’s $16MM salary for next season only carries a $2MM guarantee until January 10.
If the Celtics decide to part with Jaylen Brown in an Antetokounmpo trade, it’s “not a certainty” that the Bucks would try to move him to another team, according to Scotto. His sources indicate that Milwaukee would consider holding on to Brown, who’s under contract for the next three seasons at roughly $183MM.
Scotto adds that the Clippers may have interest in Brown if he becomes available, echoing a report from earlier this week. L.A.’s trade assets include the No. 5 pick this year and an unprotected Pacers first-rounder in 2029 that was also acquired in the Ivica Zubac deal. Scotto hears that Illinois guard Keaton Wagler has “fans” in the Bucks’ front office and notes that he’s represented by Matt Bollero of ProMondo Sports, who previously served as Milwaukee’s senior director of scouting.
