For the Milwaukee Bucks to be a serious title contender next season, Giannis Antetokounmpo made the specific request to trade for Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Greek Freak saw the Sacramento Kings star as the piece that will complete his team's battle readiness. So the Bucks got to work but unfortunately missed the mark.
The building up activities carried out by the Bucks front office in free agency has one goal only - to attract the players that will convince Antetokounmpo that for the upcoming campaign, the NBA title is within reach.
In support of the agenda, the two-time MVP reportedly submitted a list of his preferred acquisitions and on top is Bogdanovic. It seemed obvious that the Serbian made quite an impression on his fellow European.
According to Fadeaway World, Antetokounmpo is a fan of the Sacramento star. The Bucks superstar is particularly taken by the 28-year-old's swagger and toughness. He appeared convinced that with Bogdanovic on the roster next season, the Bucks are all set for a bruising war in the postseason.
Without saying a word, Antetokounmpo wants to own his NBA ring and it's best if he could obtain it with Milwaukee's help. Fully aware of that, the Bucks pursued actively the target but after days of negotiations, Bogdanovic ended up with the Atlanta Hawks.
Now, will it be a disappointment that Antetokounmpo's "preferred addition" in the offseason had slipped away? According to Bleacher Report, the development is a big deal and possibly quite a blow for the Bucks.
It could be that due to the failure of signing Bogdanovic, the Bucks will eventually lose their cornerstone player. And that is true even if Antetokounmpo signs on the $228 supermax extension that the organization dangles.
The report said that as far as the Bucks are concerned: "There has since been a categorical step back in the Bucks' confidence in getting a long-term commitment from their superstar."
It might too much of a grave expectation but Milwaukee's sentiment makes sense. Antetokounmpo has become the league's rising superstar and he continues to pile up on personal honors, the pressure is becoming even greater to prove he can lead a team to win the NBA crown.
The 25-year-old made the commitment that he will be patient and work doubly hard to get his first title with the Bucks. But it's fair to assume as well that Antetokounmpo will soon realize that his luck will improve exponentially with a new setting.
With the Bucks, the offensive approach, for instance, is devoid of the robust elements. As Clutch Points did mention, Antetokounmpo's crew has been picking up lots of wins in the regular season but in the playoffs, the team's momentum tapered off as evidenced by the last two seasons.
To be sure, the Bucks are reconfiguring but Antetokounmpo will not exactly for the right fixes to take effect. The signs he sees right now could prod him to make the move, which surely Milwaukee will hate to see.
