Bucks Insist Giannis Antetokounmpo Not For Sale

Merlin sees the trade chatter around Giannis Antetokounmpo but notes Milwaukee is not planning to move him. Michael Scotto reports league sources saying "they want to continue building around Antetokounmpo, and he's not for sale," and rival executives added "they don't believe Milwaukee wants to move him right now." Giannis is out with a calf injury and the Bucks sit 11 to 16. Merlin predicts teams from New York to Golden State will keep watching, yet the market looks steep. Scotto noted Jalen Brunson was "off the table in trade discussions," which lowers the Knicks route. Expect Milwaukee to probe for wing upgrades while guarding its franchise star unless the Bucks fall into a deeper slide.