Latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks as deadline nears

The Bucks are staying active on the Giannis Antetokounmpo front.

ESPN’s Shams Charania said Milwaukee has engaged with multiple interested teams over the weekend and even submitted counteroffers to a few of them.

On SportsCenter, Charania identified the Heat, Timberwolves, Warriors, and Knicks as the most serious suitors so far.

According to Charania, it ultimately comes down to price. Any Antetokounmpo deal would require young talent, a surplus of draft picks, or some combination of both.

That update represents the strongest indication yet that Milwaukee is seriously considering a move before Thursday’s trade deadline.

Until recently, the Bucks were operating more like buyers, hoping to upgrade the roster and convince Antetokounmpo to remain long term.

Those plans shifted on January 23, when Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury that has sidelined him indefinitely. Since then, Milwaukee has slid to 12th in the East and dropped five straight games, including Sunday’s loss in Boston.

There are still arguments for waiting until the offseason. More teams would have additional draft capital available, but Antetokounmpo would also have more leverage.

After next season, he holds a sizable player option and could influence where he is willing to commit long-term.

Head coach Doc Rivers struck a hopeful tone Sunday, saying he expects everyone to remain with the team past the deadline.

“He wants to be a Buck,” Rivers said. “That’s all I can go by right now.”

Whether that remains true by week’s end is the question shaping the entire league.