Bucks
The Giannis Antetokounmpo situation doesn’t appear anywhere near settled. Or maybe it does.
While NBA insider Chris Haynes recently suggested a potential Giannis trade could stretch into free agency and perhaps even late July, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line continues to hear signs that a resolution could arrive sooner rather than later.
According to Fischer, the Bucks have been operating as though they’ll have more than just the No. 10 pick in next week’s draft. In fact, league sources told Fischer that Milwaukee has carried itself as if it expects to control the No. 13 selection — a pick currently owned by the Heat and frequently mentioned in potential Giannis trade scenarios.
Miami and Boston remain the teams most often linked to Antetokounmpo. Fischer reported that much of that stems from a belief around the league that Giannis would be comfortable signing a long-term extension with either franchise.
So, yes, all signs suggest the Bucks are preparing for multiple possibilities.
Lakers
Luka Doncic appears ready for the Lakers to deliver.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Doncic is expecting Los Angeles to use its salary-cap flexibility and resources to build a legitimate championship contender this summer.
“Luka wants to be a championship team yesterday,” a source close to Doncic told ESPN.
The Lakers have long pointed to the summer of 2026 as a key offseason, and that time has finally arrived.
Doncic, who missed the playoffs with a hamstring injury, was reportedly cleared for full basketball activities in late May and has already resumed offseason workouts.
Now comes the hard part for the Lakers. Namely, improving the roster around him.
Kings
The Kings aren’t likely to look the same at the start of next season, and hey, that may not be such a bad thing.
According to Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan, Sacramento’s payroll situation could force the front office to consider moving veteran contracts or making other cost-cutting decisions this summer.
The Kings are currently projected to sit above the first apron despite missing the playoffs, making financial flexibility a priority.
Meanwhile, one familiar face appears likely to remain.
Kings insider James Ham reported that free-agent big man Precious Achiuwa is expected to return, potentially on another minimum contract or a similarly team-friendly deal.
Achiuwa expressed interest in staying with Sacramento during the season, and it sounds as if the feeling is mutual.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team
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!
