The NBA trade deadline has gone by, and Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Los Angeles Lakers are not a thing yet. Despite rumors tying the Greek star with several teams via trade, he remains with the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Lakers' soft approach in the trade deadline might be indicative of something else.
The Lakers initiated only one transaction before the trade deadline. They sent Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for shooting guard Luke Kennard. This means the franchise is holding its bets in favor of the long-term future.
By a silent trade deadline, the Lakers have retained three future first-round picks (2026, 2031, 2033) and roughly $51 million in projected salary cap space. This provides them with the necessary trade ammunition and financial flexibility.
According to ESPN's sources, the Lakers view Antetokounmpo as the ultimate offseason prize should the Bucks field trade offers for him.
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The $51 million projected salary cap space is accounted for assuming LeBron James and Rui Hachimura won't return. However, if James indeed pushes to play his 24th season in the NBA, the Lakers have indicated that they will be more than welcoming.
However, that will drastically affect their projected salary cap space, weakening their position to bring in Giannis Antetokounmpo and sign him to an extension, which he becomes eligible for in October.
The plan for Antetokounmpo could go sideways for many franchises, including the Lakers and the New York Knicks, should the Bucks decide to improve in the offseason. That would mean forming a competitive team and keeping the Greek star with them through a new extension.
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