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Bucks Rumors: Antetokounmpo, Early Struggles, Beauchamp

Bucks Rumors: Antetokounmpo, Early Struggles, Beauchamp

The dollar are off to a 1-5 start this season after losing at home to the Cavaliers on Saturday for their fifth straight loss, but the “league-wide greed” for it Giannis Antetokounmpo had already begun before Milwaukee stumbled out of the gate, writes Marc Stein in his latest Substack story.

As Stein explains, outside interest in Antetokounmpo — and optimism that he might eventually be available — is based on two key factors. The first is the Bucks' salary cap and roster situation, as the club operates above the second tax apron with an aging core and limited trade assets.

The second factor, says Stein, is an interview Antetokounmpo gave to Tania Gaguli of the New York Times in August 2023. In this conversation, it took place before the Bucks took over Damian LillardThe star striker only expressed his desire to stay in Milwaukee for the rest of his career if he continued to believe that the team was capable of winning another title.

While there is no sign that Giannis has lost faith in the current version of the Bucks, the team is not in great shape, coming off two straight first-round exits and a sub-.500 record in the regular season (18). -24) so ​​far under head coach Doc Rivers. Things won't get any easier Monday night with another game against the Cavaliers coming up, this time in Cleveland, although Antetokounmpo was encouraged by what he saw as forward progress in Saturday's one-point loss.

“I think we are on the right track” he said, according to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to go on a five- or 10-game winning streak, but I know we’re going to play better and trust someone else.”

Learn more about the struggling Bucks here:

  • In the event Antetokounmpo becomes available via trade, a “credible” list of potential suitors would likely start with that warrior, heat, networksAnd Curtsystates Stein in his Substack story. While New York looks like an unlikely suitor based on its current roster and draft assets, Stein says he's heard “more than one opposing team” have wondered if such a star exists Karl Anthony cities The possibility of making Giannis a future offer was one of the reasons the Knicks were willing to finalize the preseason deal with Minnesota. I'm a little skeptical that Towns is the type of player the Bucks would target if they ever seriously considered trading Antetokounmpo.
  • The dollars and MarJon BeauchampKlutch Sports officials are working together to find a new home for the third-year forward, league sources tell Stein. Beauchamp, the No. 24 pick in the 2022 draft, has not yet emerged as a rotation player and his fourth-year option for 2025-26 was recently declined, putting him on track to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2025. As long as they continue to operate above the second frontcourt, the Bucks would not be able to combine the 24-year-old's salary ($2,733,720) with another player's salary to combine into a larger deal.
  • Beauchamp spoke with The Journal Sentinel's Owczarski on Saturday about his reaction to the Bucks declining his option. “I needed this to light a fire under me.” he said. “So I know who I am and I know what kind of basketball player I am, so I’m not really biased there. I know that my work will always be visible and as long as I believe in myself, I don't worry about it too much. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise, you know? I’m still worrying right now and controlling what I can control.”

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