Marc Lasry, the co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, hasn't been shy of speaking his mind, concerned of the several holes that come with the NBA's enforcing of tampering rules, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst. The Bucks' talisman; Giannis Antetokounmpo, could be the most sought-after players in free agency in 2021 if he does not sign an extension before he's eligible to opt out of his deal.
As most front office executives have seen developing, the recruiting for a would-be free agent is not only happening the year before he can become one, but rather two years prior — giving a team time to maneuver accordingly and develop a rapport and track record to keep a star player happy ahead of the big moment.
The Bucks did just that, re-signing Eric Bledsoe during the playoffs and inking Antetokounmpo's partner-in-crime Khris Middleton to a max-level deal in free agency. Despite losing out on restricted free agent Malcolm Brogdon and Nikola Mirotic, the Bucks added depth by re-signing Brook Lopez and reeling in his twin brother Robin Lopez, along with bringing in Wes Matthews as a replacement for Brogdon and Kyle Korver as a perimeter reinforcement.
Adding to that, Milwaukee did another good deed by signing Giannis' older brother Thanasis, but it wasn't long until the Los Angeles Lakers picked up Giannis' younger brother Kostas as a potential cog to lure the reigning MVP to Los Angeles when time is due.
While the Lakers operated within the rules by claiming Kostas off waivers after he was released by the Dallas Mavericks, today's NBA provided very little avenue to prove intent or any indication of what is considered fair game within the rules of the collective bargaining agreement.
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