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NBA rumors: Blazers’ bombshell Giannis Antetokounmpo trade deadline offer no longer on table
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As the Portland Trail Blazers continue searching for a new head coach following Tiago Splitter's departure to the Chicago Bulls earlier this week, a new report has shed light on just how aggressive the organization was willing to be in pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo .
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According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Portland was prepared to make a massive offer for Antetokounmpo before the February trade deadline, even without assurances that the former two-time MVP would commit to a long-term future with the franchise.
"I'm told that Portland, back at the February trade deadline, was prepared to sacrifice up to four years of first-round draft capital in an Antetokounmpo trade … even without knowing for sure that Antetokounmpo would commit to an extension," Fischer wrote.
The report illustrates the level of urgency Portland showed as it attempted to accelerate its rise in the Western Conference. At the time, Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee was already becoming a major topic around the league, prompting several teams to explore potential pathways toward acquiring one of the NBA's premier players.
However, Fischer reported that Portland's stance has changed significantly in recent months.
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"It is strongly believed that the Blazers are no longer willing to go to such lengths — since it has been conveyed to them that getting such an extension signed is considered unlikely," Fischer wrote.
According to Fischer, Portland's retreat from its previous position has helped narrow the list of serious contenders in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.
"That perceived retreat has only fueled the notion that Miami and Boston have little current company at the forefront of these sweepstakes," Fischer added.
Blazers retreat leaves Heat and Celtics leading Giannis Antetokounmpo trade race
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The development comes during a pivotal offseason for the Trail Blazers. Portland is currently searching for a new coach after Splitter left to become the Bulls' head coach following a successful season that exceeded expectations.
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The Blazers finished 42-40 and secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference by defeating the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament. Portland then advanced to the playoffs before falling to the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs in five games during the first round.
While the organization remains focused on building around its young core, Fischer's report suggests the front office was willing to dramatically alter its long-term plans for a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber.
For now, the Bucks star remains at the center of offseason speculation. Yet if Fischer's reporting proves accurate, Portland no longer appears willing to mortgage its future without confidence that Antetokounmpo would commit to the franchise beyond an initial trade.
That shift leaves Miami and Boston increasingly viewed as the leading contenders should Milwaukee ultimately decide to move its franchise cornerstone.
Related: NBA rumors: Mike Brown Knicks assistant enters chat in Blazers' head coaching search
Related: Bulls' Tiago Splitter issues blunt response on what caused his Blazers split
