Sean Sweeney hire adds another layer to Magic-Giannis Antetokounmpo speculation

The Magic were already viewed by some around the NBA as a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo suitor.

Their coaching hire may only fuel that speculation.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Orlando’s decision to hire Sean Sweeney as head coach has led to increased chatter about the possibility of the Magic pursuing the Bucks superstar if he becomes available this offseason.

Sweeney has a longstanding relationship with Antetokounmpo dating back to their time together in Milwaukee.

Stein reported that the two worked closely during Sweeney’s four seasons as a Bucks assistant, and Antetokounmpo is known to hold him in high regard.

That’s not Orlando’s only connection.

Senior advisor John Hammond was in the Bucks front office when Antetokounmpo was selected in the 2013 NBA Draft, and Stein noted that Magic president Jeff Weltman still regularly consults Hammond on basketball matters.

None of that means Antetokounmpo is headed to Orlando. But it does help explain why the Magic continue to surface in league conversations surrounding the two-time MVP.

The Heat remain one of the most frequently mentioned potential destinations, while Stein reported that the Trail Blazers have also been pursuing Antetokounmpo.

As for Milwaukee, the clock may be ticking.

According to Stein, there is a growing belief around the league that Antetokounmpo’s future could become clearer in the coming weeks, with Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly hoping for resolution around the time of the NBA Draft.

At this point, it’s little more than speculation.

But if Antetokounmpo truly becomes available, don’t expect Orlando to disappear from the conversation.

In fact, the Magic may have just added another reason to believe they could be a legitimate player in the sweepstakes.