MELBOURNE, Australia -- Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova confirmed that at no point was he approached by the franchise about a potential trade despite a number of rumours circulating that he was set to be offloaded on NBA draft night.
Dellavedova signed a lucrative four-year, US$38 million deal to join the Bucks in 2016, just weeks after helping the Cleveland Cavaliers to an historic NBA championship over the Golden State Warriors. However, since crossing to Milwaukee, Dellavedova has been riddled with injuries and unable to replicate the sort of form that saw him emerge as an unlikely star during his four-year spell in Cleveland.
It had been widely speculated in the lead up to Friday's draft that the Bucks were shopping Dellavedova around and looking at potential trade options, but by the conclusion of the night, nothing came of it, prompting the Australian to take a whack at social media.
"I saw [the reports] there. [There was] no dialogue," Dellavedova told a gathered media contingent in Melbourne. "I guess you don't really pay too much attention to everything you read on Twitter these days."
Dellavedova has returned to his native Australia to join the national team as it prepares for the third and final window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The Boomers will face Japan and the Philippines on the road later this month in what will be the first time Dellavedova has suited up for Australia since the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
"It's awesome. There's nothing better than pulling on the green and gold," Dellavedova said. "I had a few injuries throughout the year and missed a lot of games so I'm just looking forward to getting back out there and playing.
"These boys have done an awesome job so far in helping us qualify for the World Cup so really excited to be a part of it and get into practice and playing some five-on-five."
Joining Dellavedova in the Boomers squad is Bucks teammate Thon Maker. The emerging 21-year-old is set to make his debut for the national team and Dellavedova was quick to heap praise on him.
"I'm really excited that he's here," Dellavedova said. "He works really hard at trying to get better every day. I know he's putting in a lot of work in the weight room. He's such a skilled player and a great athlete. The sky is the limit for him.
"It's going to be great for him and great for the Boomers and I know he's really excited to be here and amongst the group."