While a report in September indicated that the Milwaukee Bucks were "adamant" they would not consider trading Giannis Antetokounmpo if he turned down the supermax, sources say the franchise ultimately prepared for that scenario and were willing to at least consider a deal rather than losing him for nothing, sources tell The Athletic. 

Antetokounmpo is believed to have had no interest in changing teams this season even if he rejected the supermax.

If Antetokounmpo had decided not to sign the supermax, the Bucks would have sought clarity on the reason and his message would have mattered a great deal. If he indicated he would likely re-sign if the Bucks at least reached the Conference Finals, they would have taken their chances keeping him.

If no assurances were given at that time, the Bucks would have seriously considered accepting trade calls on him.

However, Antetokounmpo decided to sign the supermax on Tuesday making that scenario a moot point.