We have our first trade rumor and we’re barely two weeks in the season. Only that trade rumors doesn’t involve a player — it involves an entire team. As in, the Milwaukee Bucks.
That’s right, no less than the Bucks, who are off to a less-than-stellar 2-6 start. Per Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Bucks are already exploring their options. And hey, why not? You can pretty much tell that this team, as constructed, may not be good enough to contend. And that’s the expectation in Milwaukee.
“The speculation is true. The Bucks are indeed starting to canvas the league for a trade,” Winhorsty wrote, citing league executives. “But no, not that trade. The concept of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo reaching the trade market is ripe for rumors and trade machine computations, but it’s not a reality as of now for Antetokounmpo or the Bucks, sources said.
“Teams have let the Bucks know in recent months that they will make an offer for the Greek Freak if that day ever comes. But those are incoming calls, not outgoing, and it’s likely to remain that way.”
Instead, Bucks GM Jon Horst and his staff are seeking pieces to shape around the team’s best players, Windhorst added.
“Milwaukee is making trade calls looking for some help for Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, as Khris Middleton‘s absence from offseason ankle surgeries extends and the team manages a 2-6 start,” he wrote. “But the Bucks are going to have a tough time finding anything substantial. Because Milwaukee is in the second apron of the luxury tax, it is prohibited from aggregating salaries to make a deal and from taking back more money than it sends out.”
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
