New Giannis Trade Rumors on 'Sense of Distrust' From Potential Landing Spots Amid Talks With Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to not really engage teams in trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo leading up to the in-season deadline could end up biting them as they explore their options with the two-time NBA MVP this summer.

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm, there is a "sense of distrust from some teams" interested in Antetokounmpo because of the Bucks' approach back in February.

If you recall, even though the Bucks were willing to listen to offers for Antetokounmpo as they were spiraling down the standings, teams reportedly grew "frustrated" with what they felt was a lack of actual interest in making a move because Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst wasn't really engaging beyond "general concepts" of a deal.

Amick and Nehm noted the feeling is the in-season talks were seen as a "fact-finding mission" for the Bucks to prepare them for the offseason so teams are "imploring" them to come back with their final details for an offer to avoid needing to go back and forth.

There is also another practical reason cited for opposing teams wanting the Bucks to use that approach.

"The hope, of course, is that taking that tact would minimize the locker-room impact of the rumor mill," Amick and Nehm wrote.

It does seem that a deal involving Antetokounmpo is more likely to happen this offseason than ever before. There has been increased speculation recently that the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics will end up as the top two suitors for the 10-time All-Star.

Miami is expected to be the most aggressive suitor, but the Celtics could have the upper hand because they seem willing to include Jaylen Brown in a deal. Brown would be better than any player the Heat could potentially offer the Bucks in a package for their franchise superstar.

While there's no set deadline for an Antetokounmpo trade to get done, Bucks co-governor Jimmy Haslam said during the lottery that a "natural time" would be before the draft.

Antetokounmpo could have some input on where he lands if the Bucks want to move him by virtue of having a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28 in his contract.

If he signals an unwillingness to sign an extension with a team, that club could pull themselves out of the mix to avoid giving up significant long-term assets only to have him under contract for one season.

Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Bucks to this point. He led the franchise to a championship during the 2020-21 season.

The 31-year-old was plagued by injuries this season that limited him to 36 games, but he still averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest.