The Milwaukee Bucks are seemingly embracing the idea that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be traded in the coming weeks. At least that is what insider Jake Fischer's new reporting makes it sound like. On a Bleacher Report livestream, Fischer said the Bucks think they will have two first-rounders in this draft. Given that they only currently have one, it's not hard to put the puzzle pieces together.
"Been told from various people around the league that Milwaukee has been telling agents and other rival teams that they’re kind of expecting to have a pick somewhere later on in the first round after their own number 10.”
Bucks seem to be embracing change
Sure, could the Milwaukee Bucks try to get another first-round pick through other avenues? Would the OKC Thunder trade picks 12 and 17 for Milwaukee's No. 10? It's not entirely impossible, but the writing is on the wall here. The Bucks telling people they expect to have multiple firsts is because a Giannis trade will net them a second. This isn't some scheme to keep Giannis and add draft picks.
In all likelihood, that second pick will come from the Miami Heat, who are currently viewed as the top suitor in trade discussions. The Heat have arguably the strongest overall offer among the teams that are chasing Giannis, and part of that is due to them having the 13th overall pick. Milwaukee having a pair of picks in the first 13 selections could be a great way to kick off a rebuild.
Clearly, it is something they are thinking about.
Bucks' workouts hint at having two picks
Milwaukee's workout slate leading up to the draft is telling. According to HoopsHype's draft workout tracker, the Bucks have eyed Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., Labaron Philon Jr., and Chris Cenac. The Athletic's Sam Vecenie (subscription required) notes that Hannes Steinbach is also on their radar. All of those players are point guards or power forwards.
The Bucks have a type leading up to the draft. It would make plenty of sense for them to add a point guard or a big man, but it would make even more sense for them to add one of each. If they have two picks, that becomes a possibility. If they could snag any combination of those aforementioned names the Bucks are keeping an eye on, the team would set itself up nicely for the future.
Of course, nothing is set in stone just yet. Perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks do have one last trick up their sleeve and shock everyone. However, the odds certainly are not in their favor at the moment.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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