The Milwaukee Bucks know they have to pull some strings to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time NBA MVP has yet to agree to a new (supermax) deal and part of the reason for that is lack of support.
The Bucks do have notable names like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. However, their point guard position could use some upgrading despite the efforts of Eric Bledsoe. One player who could make sense is Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers.
Talks between the Bucks and the Pacers have reportedly gone down according to The Ringer. However, it was not mentioned how well these have gone.
Victor Oladipo reportedly drawing trade interest from Bucks
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For Oladipo, it will be recalled that he shot down reports of him wanting out of Indiana. There is a growing belief that the 28-year-old guard wants a supermax deal, NBC Sports reported. In a way, he is in a similar situation with that of Antetokounmpo.
Considering he is coming off an injury and has yet to play a full season, such may lead the Pacers to check their options. Though Oladipo played in 19 games last season averaging 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
The numbers were not far from the All-Star guard’s career averages. But it remains that these can either go up or down depending on the level of play that Oladipo can deliver. Add the fact that he is coming from injury, there is reason to be cautious for the Pacers and any other team.
If not the Bucks, one team that could use someone like Oladipo is the Philadelphia 76ers. This is a void that has yet to be filled in Philly the past years and Doc Rivers could use someone of Oladipo’s caliber.
As for the Bucks, it remains to be seen when they can secure Antetokounmpo. Several teams are interested in plucking him away from Milwaukee. That list includes the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. Ironically, a wild scenario would see Antetokounpo and Oladipo end up at South Beach. But that would mean giving up a lot of their current players – something which may include their rising stars like Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson or Kendrick Nunn.
So far, Antentokounmpo has not shown any indication of wanting out of Milwaukee. The same holds for Oladipo. But given that a lot of teams want to get better, anything can happen once transactions can be done this offseason.
