Bucks Chase Zach LaVine to Keep Giannis

Merlin sees Milwaukee scrambling to keep Giannis engaged by shopping the market for scoring help. The Bucks have shown interest in Zach LaVine and checked on Malik Monk and Jerami Grant as potential fits next to the two time MVP. Their problem is a thin cupboard. Sources say they have only one first round pick in 2031 or 2032 and they "do not believe they would" deal it unless a real star was on the table. Merlin notes Jon Horst has rebuilt this cast before. As one exec put it, "Give [general manager Jon Horst] credit for reinventing the wheel multiple times over the years." Still, rival teams may wait to see where Giannis lands before moving. The clock is ticking and the Bucks must choose boldness or patience.