The Milwaukee Bucks did not approach Giannis Antetokounmpo before they moved forward with their trade of Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard.
“Directly, he literally played no role,” said Adrian Wojnarowski. “In fact, Jon Horst did not bring this trade idea or sign off on it to Giannis Antetokounmpo because Jrue Holiday was involved. And the relationship there and the reverence that this organization and these players have for Holiday. He did not want to put that to Giannis Antetokounmpo and have him have that on his conscious necessarily that he might sign off or not sign off on it.”
The Bucks believe their trade for Lillard improves their title odds, while also increasing the likelihood Antetokounmpo chooses to eventually sign an extension.
Milwaukee also didn’t approach Antetokounmpo on whether he would commit long-term if they traded for Lillard.
