The Milwaukee Bucks have made some big moves this offseason, but only one thing has been on their mind.
Since losing in the first round for the third straight year, the Bucks’ attention has been focused on how to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo around. While the answer might seem somewhat simple with Antetokounmpo being under contract until 20, a star of his caliber requesting a trade would be impossible to ignore.
So, to remove any doubts about the Bucks’ direction, they made a big splash in free agency, signing Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers and waiving and stretching Damian Lillard in the process. Although the team lost Brook Lopez, the rest of the roster remains mostly the same as last season, with some key players returning.
While Milwaukee seems willing to do what it takes to keep Antetokounmpo happy, the rumors haven’t died down much, but they might soon. At Myles Turner’s introductory press conference, Bucks coach Doc Rivers gave a clear answer on the Antetokounmpo situation.
“There’s far more talk outside of Milwaukee than there is in Milwaukee,” Rivers said as GM Jon Horst grinned.
Although one sentence doesn’t clear all of the smoke surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future, Rivers has already begun laying out plans for his star going into next season. With the franchise excited about the future with Antetokounmpo leading the way, the Bucks will look to compete for a top spot in the East next season.
The Bucks aren’t entirely out of the woods yet, but signs sure point to Antetokounmpo being a Buck when next season tips off.