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The field of teams still competing in the NBA Playoffs continues to shrink, giving way for franchises to begin preparations for offseason activities like free agency and the NBA Draft. Here’s the latest news around the league:
- Milwaukee Bucks star and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo shut down any trade speculation in an interview with Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes:
“It’s not happening. That’s not happening,” Antetokounmpo told Yahoo Sports after the Bucks were eliminated in five games in the second round by the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
“Some see a wall and go in [another direction]. I plow through it. We just have to get better as a team, individually and get right back at it next season.”
- The Oklahoma City Thunder and head coach Billy Donovan have “mutually” parted ways, the team announced in a statement Tuesday night. The future of the franchise played a role in the move, according to general manager Sam Presti:
“After those discussions, it became apparent that we couldn’t provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career. Therefore, we close this chapter and reflect fondly on all that he has given to the team, organization and community. Billy will always have a place in the Thunder family.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski added that there’s “uncertainty” regarding how long some of OKC’s key veterans could remain on the roster:
With reduced league revenues amid pandemic, there remains uncertainty on how long the Thunder might continue with key veterans in place before changing course on playoff contention. The timetable on so many plans in the NBA remain fuzzy. This was an extremely amicable parting. https://t.co/jUHQ2kiuEo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2020
The Chicago Bulls are expected to be interested in Donovan after the team moved on from Jim Boylen earlier this summer, per Wojnarowski:
The Chicago Bulls are expected to have an interest in considering Donovan for the franchise’s head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. The Bulls are just completing a first-round of interviews with several candidates. https://t.co/jUHQ2kiuEo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2020
- Bucks guard and former All-Star Kyle Korver will speak with his family before deciding on his NBA future, per The Undefeated’s Marc Spears:
Bucks guard Kyle Korver told @TheUndefeated he will talk to his family before deciding on his NBA future. The 39-year-old has played in 17 seasons, made one NBA All-Star appearance and has made 2,450 3-pointers. Korver is now an unrestricted free agent.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 9, 2020
- Bucks forward Marvin Williams is retiring after 15 seasons, per Spears:
Bucks forward Marvin Williams told @TheUndefeated he is retiring from playing in the NBA after 15 seasons. “I’ve been very blessed. God has been very, very good to me,” Williams said.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 9, 2020