Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo stayed in regular contact with Bogdan Bogdanovic over the past few months, sources tell Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

They spoke numbers times over the phone and during a few calls Giannis communicated his desire to become teammates with Bogdanovic. 

"Giannis admired his fellow European's toughness and swagger, sources" tell Fischer. 

There was tremendous confidence within the Bucks that Antetokounmpo would sign the supermax when it appeared the team would trade for Jrue Holiday and also acquire Bogdanovic.

"There has since been a categorical step back in that confidence, even if Antetokounmpo does ultimately accept the franchise's offer of a five-year, $228 million supermax extension," writes Fischer. 

Early conversations with the Sacramento Kings centered on Eric Bledsoe and the No. 24 pick. The Kings insisted on Donte DiVincenzo being included, just as the Indiana Pacers had with their Victor Oladipo talks.

Bogdanovic was communicated as Antetokoumpo's preferred addition all offseason.

Because the Bucks used the contracts of Bledsoe and George Hill to acquire Holiday, they would be more limited in what they could offer Bogdanovic in a sign-and-trade.