Much of the trade buzz that followed Milwaukee's elimination came because of that stated desire to continue competing for championships. If the Bucks still controlled their draft picks or had any young talent, they perhaps could have been in a position to continue doing so with another major trade.

As we march toward the NBA offseason, one question remains in the minds of NBA fans: Does Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo choose to stay in Milwaukee or seek a fresh start somewhere else?

I’d say the prevailing sentiment from rival teams that I’m speaking to—around the combine two weeks ago, two and a half weeks ago—there was no shortage of optimism,