The Dallas Mavericks intend to prioritize landing Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in free agency in 2021, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
“They want to keep their books clear for 2021. I wouldn’t expect them to add any major free agents this year. They’re going to wait,” Windhorst said on The Jump.
Antetokounmpo has won back-to-back league MVPs and was also named Defensive Player of the Year this past season. Obviously, the Mavericks’ goal in a pursuit of Antetokounmpo would be to pair him with their own stars, guard Luka Doncic and forward Kristaps Porzingis.
With that in mind, Windhorst said the Mavericks will be at “the head of the line” in trying to land Antetokounmpo. “They want to have a third star,” he added.
Antetokounmpo can sign a supermax contract extension before or during the season, a move that would keep him with the Bucks and cancel any possibility of free agency in 2021. But he has yet to indicate which direction he’s leaning.
Meanwhile, Bucks GM Jon Horst is expected to attempt to upgrade the roster and surround Antetokounmpo with more talent during the offseason.
