Milwaukee Bucks basic supervisor Jon Horst acknowledged Wednesday that the staff is evaluating a number of paths for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, together with a possible commerce or contract extension. Talking with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Horst emphasised that each choices are “viable issues for us to have a look at and take into account” because the franchise navigates a pivotal offseason.
The Bucks presently maintain a 31-48 file, putting them outdoors playoff rivalry and on observe to overlook the postseason for the primary time since 2015-16. Accidents and inconsistent play have affected their marketing campaign, together with Antetokounmpo lacking extra video games than in every other season of his profession. Regardless of the setbacks, Horst burdened that the group’s relationship with the star ahead stays sturdy. “I don’t have any much less love or respect or perception or gratitude towards Giannis,” Horst stated.
Horst highlighted the staff’s belongings heading into the offseason, noting three tradable first-round picks and a excessive draft choice this yr. He framed the scenario as a chance to both construct round Antetokounmpo with extra expertise or discover commerce situations that would reshape the roster. “We both need to draft the correct participant and have that be a giant a part of how we go ahead and compete, or we now have to execute a commerce utilizing the worth of that,” he defined.
The Bucks GM additionally addressed offseason readability, saying that whereas the staff should outline its path, there is no such thing as a quick stress to decide. Horst emphasised that conversations with Antetokounmpo will play a central function in figuring out alignment. “I’ve at all times cared what he thinks, and we gotta work out, however I don’t assume it’s foggy as a result of it’s not one path matches all,” he stated.
Horst credited head coach Doc Rivers for managing a troublesome season and navigating accidents whereas sustaining the staff’s offensive id. He declined to touch upon Rivers’ future however acknowledged that the teaching scenario and Antetokounmpo’s contract are intertwined.
Antetokounmpo is within the first yr of a three-year, $175 million take care of a participant choice for the ultimate season. Horst affirmed that the ahead’s dedication to successful in Milwaukee stays clear, stating, “I one hundred pc consider that Giannis Antetokounmpo cares about successful and would like to win in Milwaukee.”
The Bucks head into the offseason with a lottery decide for the primary time in a decade, signaling a crucial interval of decision-making that would redefine the staff’s trajectory round one of many NBA’s premier skills.
