The Milwaukee Bucks have confirmed that they will retain star player Giannis Antetokounmpo through Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, opting instead to concentrate on making smaller trades. The Bucks have finalized a deal to trade Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, according to insider Shams Charania from ESPN.
All four athletes involved in this trade are on expiring contracts, as noted by ESPN’s Bobby Marks. This transaction allows the Suns to reduce their payroll by $2.2 million, creating the possibility for them to sign a 15th player to their roster.
For the Bucks, the addition of Richards and Hayes-Davis is expected to enhance their frontcourt depth in the immediate future, particularly as Antetokounmpo continues his recovery from a calf strain. Charania also reported that the Bucks might pursue further trades ahead of the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday, emphasizing that Antetokounmpo will not be part of those potential deals.
This strategic movement reflects the Bucks’ commitment to strengthening their roster while ensuring their top player remains a crucial component of their team.
With the anticipation surrounding the trade deadline, fans can expect more developments as teams make their final adjustments for the push into the latter part of the season.