Giannis Trade Clock: Bucks Likely To Wait Till Summer

Merlin sees a growing belief in the league that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will wait until the offseason before pushing for a trade. Scouts told ESPN that "If he waits until the summer [to ask out], he'll have maximum leverage on what his future will be" and one added "They aren't trading him in-season." Milwaukee gave the Knicks an "exclusive negotiating window" in August but no deal came. Giannis returned from a calf injury and the Bucks sit 14-20, still within range of the play in with his presence clearly tied to their fortunes. Merlin notes Milwaukee publicly aims to improve the roster around Giannis even as whispers grow. With voices saying "The rubber is going to finally hit the road, one way or the other," the coming weeks will reveal whether talks stay muted or flare into deadline drama.