Nets vs. Bucks preview: Last weekend of the season

Antetokounmpo expressed critical doubts and considerations about the Bucks’ roster months earlier than the season began. The Bucks constructed contending rosters for greater than half a decade, however the blockbuster trades to accumulate Jrue Holiday, who helped them win the 2021 championship, and Lillard in 2020 and 2023, respectively, assisted the Bucks in convincing Antetokounmpo to signal a number of extensions at the price of spreading their skinny belongings. They relinquished three first-round picks and 4 choose swaps in these strikes, leaving them with out the high-value tradeable contracts and draft picks to make a giant transfer after their third consecutive first-round exit final spring.

It’s why Antetokounmpo reiterated to the Bucks for just a few months earlier than the Feb. 5 commerce deadline that he was ready to be moved. He declined to publicize a commerce request, however he made it clear to all events concerned behind the scenes that he felt each side wanted to maneuver on instantly, as the franchise was not in place to compete.