The Milwaukee Bucks have felt comfortable with their ability to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout this summer.
After reports emerged that Antetokounmpo was open to being moved this offseason for the first time in his career, efforts to keep him looked bleak.
Teams have been waiting to see how this situation unfolds before they figure out exactly what their plans are for the offseason. Several teams would be interested in trading for him.
There have been a couple of reports suggesting that Antetokounmpo might want to stay in Milwaukee, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
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Milwaukee is making one final pitch to Antetokounmpo in hopes that he won't change his mind. ESPN's Shams Charania described what the Bucks are telling him.
"But they're telling Giannis: we'll give you more control, more touches, more creation responsibility. They believe they can compete in the Eastern Conference. Whether that's true or not, that's what they're selling him."
"You essentially take somewhat of a gap year, retool this team, and push again next year. From my understanding, Jon Horst and Doc Rivers genuinely believe this team can make a run, especially if Giannis fully buys in."
The Bucks still think that they can compete in a very easy Eastern Conference next season if Antetokounmpo comes back.
They believe that, even without Damian Lillard available for most of the season. They think that Antetokounmpo is good enough to carry the team.
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Milwaukee has to show Antetokounmpo that they are willing to improve the roster around him in a couple of seasons once Lillard returns from his injury.
Right now, it's tough for the Bucks to improve the roster too much heading into next season because of the cap situation they are in.
Of course, nothing can be planned for until Antetokounmpo gives them some indication of what he's thinking.
While there is a chance that he waits until after free agency to make a firm choice, the team can still show how committed they are to winning more titles.
This season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. He shot 60.1 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
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