Let the speculation begin

In less than 10 months we will know for sure. Giannis can sign the Supermax on July 1, 2020. If he doesn't sign the first day (or at least indicate he's going to and wait for the team to make salary cap moves during next season's free agent period), we'll have an answer. 

I loved Brogdon, but if Giannis is upset that they didn't sign an injury-prone, good but not great, player to massively overinflated contract and that is a tipping point, he's going to find an excuse to leave anyway. We all debated whether giving Middleton a big contract was wise, but Middleton is only 15 months older than Brogdon and other than a freak hamstring injury caused by the Bucks previously awful facilities, he's always been available. 

CBSsports also put out this speculation today. 

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/...eve-the-unthinkable/

Basically, the only way this works is if the Warriors trade Klay Thompson or the Bucks agree to some sort of sign and trade to net an aging, massively declining Draymond Green. Neither of those are likely to happen. 

If Giannis doesn't sign, and I'm the Bucks I keep him until the day he's not under contract. Old Bucks fans should know more than anyone that you never get true value for a superstar when you trade him (at least in the prime of their careers). Kareem was the original guy who forced his way out of a situation he didn't like and the Bucks have not been back to the NBA Finals in 45 years despite getting back a lot more talent than the Bucks would likely get during a lame duck year for Giannis (Elmore Smith, Dave Myers,  Junior Bridgeman, and Brian Winters). 

I may be a hopeless optimist, but I bet he signs the Supermax. 

There is no validity to saying the Warriors are a threat to do anything. Their cap would be impossible to navigate and still maintain the roster. It’s a nothingburger. 

The only way Giannis leaves Milwaukee is if something turns him off about the team’s management, the coach, the roster, and the city. Right now, he loves the Management, loves the coach, loves his teammates, and loves Milwaukee and the state of WI. They have a beautiful new arena, the entertainment district is a monument to him (though he is probably indifferent), and he’s coming off the best Bucks season in 30 years. It would take a collapse of proportions unseen in the history of the league to turn this thing south. It’s barely possible, and totally unlikely. 

He's not going anywhere...

Ramona Shelbourne is a hack.  She’s the same author of an article that came out right after the playoffs ended that basically questioned his loyalty and commitment to Milwaukee.  Eff that noise.  

She is a pot stirring joke of a journalist.

If for some reason Giannis has a change of heart and wants out that would suck but I’ll tell you what the Pelicans don’t look so bad now and in the future given what LA gave up to get him.   That’s the floor for any kind of deal.   Steph Curry won’t get any healthier over time and not sure I’d want to give up a Klay Thompson and multiple 1st round picks to get him but hey it’s all banter at this point.  I just don’t want it to become a distraction this year as the Bucks have a golden opportunity to get to the ECF or beyond.  

Here’s another reason he isn’t going anywhere- the CBA opt out clause after the 2022-23 season.

The Antetokounmpo Camp is most certainly not going to risk drastic changes in the CBA that might impact what he can earn, especially noting that the key point in the new negotiations will be player movement. 

The Bucks aren’t stupid. If they believe Giannis wants out they will make a deal that brings back a healthy return.  

The Anthony Davis trade basically rebuilt the Pelicans overnight.  In 2-3 years that team could be a powerhouse. 

The Bucks get fined 50K for comments that Jon Horst made about their intent to offer Giannis a super max contract next year.  

I get the fact you don’t want other teams tampering but WTF it’s the damn team that drafted and developed him!   What an asinine rule. LeBron James can openly recruit players but a GM of a team can’t comment on one of his players.   That’s ridiculous. 

Such bullshit... the Lakers openly commit actual tampering and they fine the fucking Bucks.

Where’s Magic Johnson to consult Jon Horst on what he can and can’t say about players?

The league office has done so many things right but they are flat out wrong to fine the Bucks on this. 

Tschmack posted:

The Bucks aren’t stupid. If they believe Giannis wants out they will make a deal that brings back a healthy return.  

The Anthony Davis trade basically rebuilt the Pelicans overnight.  In 2-3 years that team could be a powerhouse. 

The main reason they may be a powerhouse is that they won the lottery (again) and got Zion Williamson. If Zion doesn't turn into the next great NBA player, they aren't going to be a powerhouse. 

The guys they got back for Anthony Davis are a good haul, but you never get true value for a real superstar. Look at the Bucks and Kareem 45 years ago. 

I believe it is inevitable that Giannis will sign with the Yankees

I see what you did there.

El-Nuke-the-Hurricanes-Bong posted:

I believe it is inevitable that Giannis will sign with the Yankees

No way, that's a dumb take. He'll be a Patriot. Take over for Brady. 

Very few players play for one team their whole careers.  

That’s true Pikes but Giannis seems like a different dude.  In a way he’s like Kobe- not particularly liked or chummy with other players and ultra focused on winning.   Sometimes that approach rubbed people the wrong way. 

As long as the Bucks continue to provide talent around him I think it’s unlikely he bolts from Milwaukee.   

Pikes Peak posted:

Very few players play for one team their whole careers.  

In large part because they, their agents, or their families want them to get to the warm climates or New York for the lifestyle, the endorsements, or just the attention from ESPN. 

I think that’s generally the case but Giannis seems like an outlier.   As long as Horst and the ownership are committed to winning I think he’ll be fine.  If they break up the roster or make a bunch of changes all bets are off.  

Hard to believe but the new NBA season starts in 3 weeks.  

The Warriors have a brand new multi-Billion with a "B" stadium to keep full. Klay is already ruled out for 2019-2020 -- some are predicting the W's don't even make the playoffs. 

Right now....this is nothing to think about....until it's something to think about. This season is ultra important to the Bucks franchise.

One more thing not mentioned......Curry & Giannis are friends. They have the same family ideals. They get it.

In any event....today is the DAY! Enjoy the season fellas

Go Bucks!