Giannis Antetokounmpo Calms Trade Rumors, Bucks Beat Wizards

Merlin sees the Bucks steadying amid Giannis trade noise: offseason talks reportedly happened only with the Knicks, and Milwaukee insists the chatter hasn't produced internal strife. The front office re-signed Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince, then added Myles Turner after waiving Damian Lillard. Giannis said, "I want to be in a situation that I can win... I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me," though he allowed he might change his mind in "six, seven months." He led the opener with 37 in a 133-120 win. Merlin notes how perception and reality can differ — "There's no bigger difference than the perception of the outside compared to what's going on in-house." If the improved supporting cast turns early wins into momentum, the whispers will fade; if not, Giannis' caveat could matter.