The Milwaukee Bucks are very active to begin the offseason.
With many questions surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the team, the Bucks got busy on Tuesday to try and build a contender around Antetokounmpo for next season. However, their moves could indicate the opposite, potentially leaving a trade for the 2-time MVP still on the table.
Firstly, Damian Lillard — who is recovering from a torn Achilles — was waived by Milwaukee. The team still owes Lillard $22 million per season over the next five years. In response, the Bucks signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal and re-signed Jericho Sims to a two-year deal.
Additionally, Milwaukee also traded Pat Connaughton to the Charlotte Hornets.
Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, Antetokounmpo was not happy about the Bucks’ decision to waive Lillard. The moves made by Milwaukee on Tuesday put them in a bit of a strange spot in terms of where they rank in the Eastern Conference.
Here’s an updated look at the Bucks’ depth chart following Tuesday’s actions:
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
| Kevin Porter Jr. | AJ Green | Kyle Kuzma | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Myles Turner |
| Vasilije Micic | Gary Trent Jr. | Gary Harris | Taurean Prince | Bobby Portis |
| Jamaree Bouyea | Andre Jackson | Chris Livingston | Tyler Smith | Jericho Sims |
| Pete Nance | Bogoljub Markovic |
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo's true feelings about Damian Lillard decision revealed
Originally, the Bucks made it clear that they were not trading Antetokounmpo this offseason and preferred to keep him. However, given the current outlook of the team, it is very possible that the Bucks have a change of heart and entertain trade talks for their franchise superstar.
Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade, but that could always change later on this offseason.
Antetokounmpo is good enough to where he could carry this roster by himself to the playoffs, but the Bucks have been eliminated in the first round in three consecutive seasons, putting them in a difficult position on whether or not they should keep trying to salvage his prime, or kick the bucket and start the rebuild.
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