They definitely do. At the beginning of the play, Bassanio approaches Antonio for financial assistance to aid his attempt to win the fair Portia's hand in marriage. She is a wealthy heiress from Belmont whose father determined in his will could only wed a suitor who makes the correct choice from three caskets: gold, silver, and lead. She has been approached by a number of wealthy suitors, men of status and stature. Bassanio wants to compete against them on an equal footing, and asks Antonio to lend him money so he can do so.
It is obvious from their conversation that this is not the first time Bassanio has sought such a favor from Antonio, as he himself mentions:
...if you please
To shoot another arrow that self way
Which you did shoot the first.
It is also clear that Bassanio is a wastrel, as he admits as much to Antonio:
'Tis not unknown to you, Antonio,
How much I have disabled mine estate,
By something showing a more swelling port
Than my faint means would grant continuance......my chief care
Is to come fairly off from the great debts
Wherein my time something too prodigal
Hath left me gaged.
Bassanio is assured of Antonio's love and care for him and knows his friend will help him. Antonio guarantees as much:
Within the eye of honour, be assured,
My purse, my person, my extremest means,
Lie all unlock'd to your occasions.
The conversation between the two men is indefatigable proof that they share a very close bond. Antonio is prepared to help Bassanio by whatever means possible, even though he knows Bassanio might just waste the money he lends him. He is also obviously aware he might never be repaid. In spite of this, Antonio is prepared to help his friend. Antonio admits he does not have any ready cash, but urges Bassanio to find a moneylender in Venice and use his good name to obtain a loan for which he will stand surety.
These actions speak of a man who is prepared to help a friend, so their relationship obviously must be more than just a shallow acquaintance. This is later proven when Antonio agrees to the harsh bond terms set by the moneylender Shylock when he loans three thousand ducats to Bassanio. Shylock sets, as a condition, that he should be entitled to cut out a pound of Antonio's flesh if he should forfeit on the bond, which has to be repaid within three months. Antonio accepts these terms despite Bassanio's request that he not, as Bassanio does not trust Shylock.
Further proof of their close relationship lies in the fact that, when Antonio falls on hard times when his ships are all destroyed, Bassanio is prepared to leave the comfort of his new home and marriage to be with his friend. He delays the consummation of his marriage to rush from Belmont to assist his desperate friend. Shylock has had Antonio arrested because he forfeited on repaying a loan. According to the terms of their agreement, Shylock could claim a pound of Antonio's flesh.
Another indication of the depth of their friendship lies in the fact that, in Act V, Scene 1, Antonio once again vows to help his friend and sacrifice even his soul to vouch for him.
I once did lend my body for his wealth;
Which, but for him that had your husband's ring,
Had quite miscarried: I dare be bound again,
My soul upon the forfeit, that your lord
Will never more break faith advisedly.
He says this on the occasion of Portia accusing Bassanio of having given away a cherished ring that she had entrusted to him even though he vowed never to get rid of it. Antonio is prepared to give up his soul as a guarantee that Bassanio would never again break his word.
Lastly, many commentators believe further proof of Bassanio and Antonio's friendship lies in Antonio's melancholic mood at the beginning of the play. Antonio is unable to say what is making him so sad. Some believe his depression is brought on by the fact that Bassanio is about to leave him for Belmont to try to win the hand of Portia, the wealthy and beautiful heiress. Whn Bassanio leaves, Antonio will lose a friend and confidante.
The depth of Antonio's sentiment for his friend is further proven by the fact that, in spite of the possibility of losing his companion to another, he is still prepared to ensure Bassanio's happiness and generously offers to help him.
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