This Sun rises up in race for NBA MVP

The Milwaukee Bucks are attempting to construct a case to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain with the franchise by reminding him that the Eastern Conference is in flux and fairly wide open. The Boston Celtics will likely have a down season of their own in 25-26 with Jayson Tatum rehabilitating his Achilles, while the Cleveland Cavaliers were a playoff disappointment after their excellent regular season.

The Bucks want to sell Antetokounmpo on a gap year that enable the team to rebuild the roster around him. The Bucks also hope the presence of Doc Rivers as head coach provides a boost. Antetokounmpo and Rivers are believed to have a strong working relationship. The Bucks fired Adrian Griffin and hired Rivers away from ESPN in January 2024.

Antetokounmpo’s mindset is unknown at this time even as he remains active answers fans’ questions on social media. Antetokounmpo has not formally pushed to be traded by the Bucks.

Rival teams are quietly working on trade pitches should Antetokounmpo eventually become available. Antetokounmpo would likely provide the Bucks a preferred trade list if he does decide he is ready to move on.

The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick in a three-team deal also involving the Utah Jazz, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Saturday night.

Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are heading to the Lakers while Max Christie heads to Dallas.

The Jazz are set to receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 2025 Clippers second-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavs.

“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavs general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin regarding his motivation to trade Doncic for Davis. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”