Bucks
The Giannis Antetokounmpo saga may not be ending as quickly as some had hoped.
While Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam previously indicated he would like clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future before the NBA Draft, that timeline appears far from certain.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Milwaukee has been signaling that it intends to enter next week’s draft with as many as three first-round picks. Such a scenario would almost certainly require a blockbuster move involving Antetokounmpo.
But NBA insider Chris Haynes suggested there is no guarantee anything gets done before draft night.
“What I’m hearing is this could drag into free agency, this could drag on into July,” Haynes said on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
If that’s the case, additional possibilities could emerge. Miami, for instance, could potentially include Andrew Wiggins in trade talks after player-option decisions are finalized later this month.
Haynes also indicated Boston remains in the mix, though perhaps not as strongly as some recent speculation has suggested.
Meanwhile, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that the Bucks continue to explore a variety of trade scenarios beyond Antetokounmpo, with much of the roster believed to be available for discussion.
Jazz
The Jazz and center Walker Kessler remain apart in contract negotiations.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Utah has offered Kessler a five-year deal worth roughly $140 million.
That’s a significant commitment. Apparently, it isn’t enough.
Recent reports have indicated Kessler remains frustrated with the pace and direction of negotiations, and MacMahon reported there is still a sizable gap between the two sides.
Utah is expected to make Kessler a restricted free agent later this month, giving the Jazz the ability to match any outside offer.
Elsewhere, MacMahon reported that league sources remain skeptical that guard Keyonte George will receive a rookie-scale extension this offseason, as Utah continues to evaluate its young core.
Bulls
The Bulls are listening, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re moving.
According to Siegel, multiple teams have contacted Chicago about the No. 4 overall pick. But there has been little indication the Bulls are seriously considering a move down the draft board.
New basketball operations chief Bryson Graham appears content to keep his options open while evaluating prospects near the top of the lottery.
Chicago could also emerge as a useful facilitator in larger transactions.
Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Bulls are expected to use their available cap space aggressively and could be willing to absorb unwanted contracts if draft compensation is attached.
In other words, don’t expect Chicago to just sit quietly this summer.
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