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For all the offseason noise about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, the Bucks seem to have quieted things. At least for now. The two-time MVP told reporters he’s confident in Milwaukee’s retooled roster and isn’t seeking a move, though he stopped short of committing long-term. As Jamal Collier of ESPN writes, team sources maintain they’re fully aligned with Antetokounmpo. Their decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard’s contract in order to sign Myles Turner wasn’t panic, one source insisted. It was about maximizing Giannis’ prime. “The biggest misconception is that this was a panic move,” a Bucks source told ESPN. “It was a basketball decision. Dame on the other end of it, you’re not sure what that was going to look like. Meanwhile, Myles is a perfect fit. We want to win here.” Antetokounmpo, under contract through 2027–28 with a player option in the final year, will be eligible for another extension next summer. “Always got to hold ownership’s feet to the fire,” a source close to him told ESPN. Antetokounmpo has backed the words with dominance. He posted 31 points, 20 rebounds, and seven assists in Friday’s win over Toronto, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 60 points, 30 boards, and 10 assists through his first two games of a season, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “He’s the best player in the world,” teammate Cole Anthony said. “It’s really different getting to see him every day.” Peyton Watson didn’t agree to a rookie-scale extension before the deadline, meaning he’ll be a restricted free agent next summer. But as he told Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, it wasn’t personal. “From what I understand, it was just a financial business decision,” Watson said. “They wanted to stay out of that second apron. When it’s my turn next summer, I’ll have to make my own business decision.” Denver coach David Adelman praised Watson’s mindset and preseason, saying he can “set his own market” with a strong year. The Nuggets were cautious, as offering Watson more than about $7 million annually would have pushed them into second-apron territory. Breakout Candidates John Hollinger of The Athletic highlighted 12 players poised to make leaps this season, headlined by stars Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic, but also featuring several rising names to watch. Among the surprises: Sandro Mamukelashvili (Raptors), Terrence Shannon Jr. (Timberwolves), and Cam Whitmore and Kyshawn George (Wizards), all pegged as breakout candidates who could take major steps forward in 2025–26.
