of bucks “Continued to engage with teams interested” in trade with Giannis Antetokounmpo ESPN’s Shams Charania said during an appearance on SportsCenter that he submitted counter-proposals to several companies over the weekend.Twitter video linkto the tip of the hat real gm).

Charania listed: Heat, Timberwolves, Warriors and knicks He has been listed as the “most serious suitor” so far, but several other teams are also rumored to be involved. He added that for Antetokounmpo, it’s “a matter of price,” which could mean parting ways with young talent, “excess draft picks,” or a combination of both.

Sent by Bucks mixed signal As for whether they plan to part ways with their franchise player before Thursday’s deadline or wait until the summer in hopes of better contract negotiations. Charania’s report is the strongest sign yet that Milwaukee is serious about a trade this week.

The Bucks are looking to build momentum late in the season heading into the playoffs, and were initially looking to upgrade their roster and convince Antetokounmpo to stay at the buyer’s deadline. Those plans appeared to change on Jan. 23 when Antetokounmpo was sidelined indefinitely with a calf injury, effectively ending the team’s postseason hopes. Milwaukee lost its fifth straight game against Boston on Sunday, dropping to 12th place in the East with 18 wins and 29 losses.

As Charania points out, there are pros and cons to the Bucks waiting to make a deal in the offseason. Interested teams will have additional draft capital to offer, but Antetokounmpo will have more control over where he ends up. After making $58.5 million next season, he has a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season and could threaten not to re-sign with a team that trades him if that’s not one of his preferred destinations.

bucks coach doc rivers On Sunday, he appeared on ESPN’s NBA Countdown and addressed trade rumors (Twitter video link), “I think everyone will come.” The deadline has passed. He also said he was looking forward to the weekend so he could put speculation on hold for a few months.

“He wants to be a running back and he loves this city. That’s all I can do as a coach right now.” Rivers said of Antetokounmpo:. “Was it difficult? Yeah. My favorite day of the year is the day after the trade deadline. I think everyone comes here.”

Rivers added that Antetokounmpo plans to play this season and hopes to “make the playoffs healthy.”