As the NBA draft approaches in three weeks, some individuals within the league, who shared insights with The Post, are starting to doubt whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will indeed be up for grabs. Instead, there is growing certainty that the Nets are actively seeking to secure a second lottery pick.

Those two things aren’t unrelated. That’s not coincidence, but causality. 

Sources have revealed to The Post since the 2023-24 season that Brooklyn GM Sean Marks has been eyeing Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee as his ideal target. Following the Bucks’ early exit from the playoffs for the third consecutive year and Damian Lillard’s recent Achilles injury, rumors have circulated about Antetokounmpo potentially being on the market. ESPN even reported his openness to parting ways with Milwaukee.

The Nets, with a league-leading 15 future first-round picks, were originally considered frontrunners in the pursuit. Acquiring a high lottery pick would have bolstered their chances, but unfortunate circumstances saw them drop from the sixth to the eighth spot. Furthermore, the Nets were adversely affected by San Antonio securing the second pick, while Toronto is also emerging as a strong contender in this race.