NBA reporter reveals Bucks' 'astronomically high' asking price for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly open to moving their biggest star at the trade deadline in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee engaged in conversations with several teams around the league and drew serious interest. Earlier in the week, the Bucks’ front office was even counteroffering potential deals for Antetokounmpo.

“With three days to go before the NBA trade deadline, the market for Giannis Antetokounmpo has started to progress as the Milwaukee Bucks have submitted counteroffers to teams aggressively seeking a deal for the two-time MVP, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday. Having been resistant to the idea of trading Antetokounmpo throughout his career in Milwaukee, the Bucks have now shifted to actively engaging with a few teams concerning a potential league-altering trade,” ESPN’s Jamal Collier wrote.

Three teams were reportedly making strong pushes for Antetokounmpo in the final 24 hours.

“The Heat, Timberwolves and Warriors are viewed as the finalists for pulling off a Giannis Antetokounmpo deadline trade, per WindhorstESPN..Miami and Minnesota are actively calling teams trying to extract more draft capital, but might not do it until they know Giannis signs off,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

Those teams ultimately appeared to back away from the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes due to Milwaukee’s massive asking price. The Bucks were reportedly seeking five first-round picks for the NBA champion.

“The Bucks were asking for at least five 1st-round picks in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, per Shams Charania. Milwaukee set an astronomically high price with Giannis not trying to force his way out at the deadline,” Sidery posted.

Either the Bucks never truly intended to move him at the deadline, or they simply value their franchise cornerstone that highly. While Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the league, five first-round picks is an astonishing price to consider.

This summer could be fascinating to watch, especially if Antetokounmpo formally requests a trade. The Bucks now have a clearer sense of what teams may be willing to offer, and additional suitors with cap flexibility could enter the mix. Still, it’s no surprise that the Warriors, Heat, and Timberwolves ultimately stepped away from the race.