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The Milwaukee Bucks are down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2025 playoffs despite Giannis Antetokounmpo averaging 35.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.5 blocks through two games.
The Bucks lost Game 1 by 19 points and Game 2 by eight points.
Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns. Since then, the Bucks have struggled in the postseason. They lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs and the Pacers in the first round of last year's playoffs.
Since it appears that the Bucks are going to lose to the Pacers again, one NBA analyst is predicting that Antetokounmpo will do something he said he'd never do.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report predicted that Antetokounmpo will request a trade from the Bucks.
"Is this really how Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and a Finals MVP, really wants to play out his prime? This is a lottery-level roster without him and a non-contender with him," Buckley wrote. "He can't be content with this setup, can he? Perhaps he proves loyal to a fault and stays singularly focused on the only NBA franchise he's ever known. Or maybe Milwaukee has some secret formula for finding its way out of this mess. From the outside looking in, though, the grass sure seems greener elsewhere."
Antetokounmpo told COSMOTE TV broadcasters Vassilis Skountis and Rigas Dardalis in February that he wouldn't ever request a trade from the Bucks. The future Hall of Famer said Milwaukee "would have to kick me out."
Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $175 million extension with Milwaukee in October 2023. He can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 if he declines his 2027-28 player option worth $62.8 million.
If the Bucks lose to the Pacers again, all eyes will be on Antetokounmpo this summer.
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How NBA Executives Feel About Josh Giddey's Upcoming Bulls Contract
Last season, Josh Giddey took a big leap after being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Chicago Bulls, the Australian point guard was instrumental in getting them to the Play-In Tournament, going 39-43. The No. 10 seed was somewhat expected, but the record was better than people anticipated. Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, taking his offense to another level. His shooting splits improved as well, and his overall leap has resulted in the 22-year-old asking for big money amid restricted free agency. Still unsigned, Giddey is reportedly desiring at least $8 million more than what the Bulls are currently offering. In a recent article from Fred Katz and Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, NBA executives gave their thoughts on what they think Giddey is worth and the overall contract dispute. One executive believed $100 million over four years was fair. “Giddey is the anomaly because he might be good enough to be a four-year player,” the executive said. “Nobody wants to go with long-term contracts because everybody wants this idea of flexibility. You wanna have the ability to (say), ‘You know what? My team’s not very good. Let’s pivot.’” Some other executives proposed three-year deals, ranging from $54 million to $75 million in total money. Cap space around the NBA has become extremely limited, and Chicago may not be willing to make such a long-term commitment to the former lottery pick. One person polled cited the Patrick Williams contract as a reference point for the Bulls. “Chicago gave (Williams) five years, $90 million with a player option,” the executive said. “He didn’t show much and got that deal entirely based on them drafting him top five and (his) perceived potential.”
Yankees’ Max Fried Makes Feelings Clear Before Trade Deadline
The New York Yankees acquired several talented veterans after superstar outfielder Juan Soto walked in free agency this past offseason, with southpaw pitcher Max Fried (12-4, 2.62 ERA) chief among them. They signed the latter player to an eight-year, $218 million contract, and he's given them their money's worth thus far. Fried leads New York's pitching staff in wins and ERA. The 31-year-old is also tied for third in baseball in wins, is 11th in ERA, and is 11th with a 1.03 WHIP. Still, the Yankees could use pitching help, given that ace Gerrit Cole is out for the year after getting Tommy John surgery, and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will make his first start of the season on Sunday. Fried was asked after Tuesday's bout with the Tampa Bay Rays if he's anxious to see what New York does ahead of Thursday's Trade Deadline, via SNY. "You've just got to take care of business every day," he said. "That's not something that we can control...We have baseball games to win." The Yankees did just that on Tuesday, beating the Rays 7-5 in a comeback effort. Fried earned his 12th win after allowing four runs (two earned) in 6.2 innings to go with nine strikeouts and two walks. The veteran also tossed a career-high 111 pitches. Over the last few days, the Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies and fellow third baseman Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals. They also traded pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later or cash. New York will face Tampa Bay again on Wednesday and Thursday.
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NHL players who will send their GM a 'thank you' card next summer
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The 'Most game-winning drives by an NFL quarterback' quiz
Once again, the Cleveland Browns are facing an…interesting situation in their quarterback room. With Deshaun Watson out of the picture for at least 2025 due to an achilles injury, the Browns brought in grizzled veteran Joe Flacco and former first-round pick Kenny Pickett before drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. With Pickett suffering a hamstring injury in training camp, it sounds like Flacco will get the majority of first-team reps going forward. Flacco is 40 years old and entering his 18th NFL season, and while his numbers with the Colts in 2024 weren’t great, he showed he can still run an offense and perform in the clutch. Which brings us to today’s quiz. Flacco started six games for Indianapolis, engineering two game-winning drives. With that being said, how many of the quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 25 career game-winning drives can you name in five minutes? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
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