Postponing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks until summer has paid off exactly as the Milwaukee Bucks hoped, whether or not Giannis actually leaves. His handful of serious suitors at the trade deadline has multiplied. Interested teams include those whose postseason did not go as planned, ending in frustration instead of fulfillment. They could be the most desperate, and thus the most willing to pony up an offer.Â
With more bidders at a potential auction, the Bucks would only benefit from the ensuing market competition, hiking Antetokounmpo's price tag to its peak.
Holding off at the deadline only looks smarter now
At the February trade deadline, only Miami could present a competitive offer. New York, Minnesota, and Golden State hung around, but they lacked the resources to strike a realistic deal. Ultimately, rival executives felt Milwaukee never really planned to move Giannis then. Instead, they gauged the market, sussing out who might offer what.Â
That approach was not without risk. Holding onto Giannis effectively disqualified would-be bidders uncertain of his long-term commitment. If he doesn't sign an extension, he will be eligible to elect free agency after next season.Â
Having the Greek Freak for two playoff runs, in 2026 and 2027, is a significant difference from having him for one. Without the assurance of a future extension, teams that may have been willing to go all-in at the deadline would not be so inclined in the summer.Â
The Bucks knew, however, that teams like the Knicks or Timberwolves would have more tradeable draft capital in the offseason. By draft night, those teams will have at least one extra first-round pick.
More substantially, other suitors have entered the fold. Portland, Houston, Orlando, Cleveland, and Boston could all look to get in on the sweepstakes in one fashion or another.
Bucks stockpiling suitors that didn't exist three months ago
The Trail Blazers' emergence on the scene is somewhat surprising. Giannis has of yet made no indication that he would extend there. Portland can't offer the big-market allure of New York, it's not Miami, and Anthony Edwards plays in Minnesota. Each of those factors appeals to Giannis in some way.Â
Yet the Blazers do have the Bucks' upcoming picks. They also have Jrue Holiday, Giannis' old teammate. According to reports, they plan to pursue Antetokounmpo aggressively.Â
The Magic fired their coach after blowing a 3-1 lead versus Detroit in the first round. Other changes could be coming. The current core has lost in Round 1 three years running.Â
Down 2-0 to Detroit in Round 2, the Cavaliers could face roster questions if they are eliminated. Donovan Mitchell will be eligible for another extension this summer. Evan Mobley has failed to take the next step to stardom. Adding James Harden hasn't put them over the top.Â
Even with a healthy Kevin Durant, the Rockets were obviously short on shot creation. That roster is missing more than a point guard. Houston could look to shake things up by going all-in for Giannis.Â
Get ready for fireworksÂ
Jaylen Brown was quick to quiet the Giannis-to-Boston rumblings, but don't count the Celtics out altogether. Acquiring Giannis would eliminate the redundancy concerns between Brown and co-star Jayson Tatum that pop up like clockwork every time Boston falls short. It would be somewhat astonishing if a Gianins-led Celtics squad did not begin the season as favorites to win the East.Â
Who knows who else may come crawling out of the woodwork when the offseason officially begins?Â
Regardless of what Giannis and the Bucks decide, the choice to sit back and wait at the deadline has gone splendidly from Milwaukee's perspective. This is just what they were banking on, if not better. If Antetokounmpo is available, the bidding war that results should be something to see.Â
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