Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Leave Bucks As Trade Conversations Gather Pace

Giannis Antetokounmpo was a subject of trade rumors starting from the offseason even though he later clarified that he loves Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Leave Bucks As Trade Conversations Gather Pace

Giannis Antetokounmpo supposedly wants to leave Bucks (Image via FirstSportz)

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After the blockbuster trade deadline last season, this offseason did not see much activity. The only time fans had their ears perked was when Giannis Antetokounmpo was rumored to be willing to leave Milwaukee.

The idea was that he and his family preferred to move to New York, as the Greek Freak wanted both to fight for a championship and also enjoy the commercial benefits of being in the Big Apple.

Both the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks were thought to be interested, but only the latter was ever involved in discussions with the Bucks. Antetokounmpo made it clear he wanted to make Madison Square Garden his next home.

That hope, however, vanished as the Knicks felt the terms were becoming too expensive. Then, the Bucks signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo to the 1st team roster, and then Alex Antetokounmpo on a two-way contract, all in the hope of keeping their superstar brother.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis have started conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future – and discussing whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere, sources tell ESPN. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks.

Shams Charania revealed on X

It seems that nearly a quarter of the season in, that situation has changed. Now, there are question marks about where the 2-time league MVP would go.

Charania later added that the Knicks are no longer a destination, which means the 30-year-old could move anywhere. With his family back in Greece, the superstar is open to exploring all options.

Bucks head coach contradicts Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors

Now that all teams in the NBA get an open and equal chance at trying to bid for Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s services, it means most of the attention will be drawn to Milwaukee and how it handles this situation.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doc Rivers
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doc Rivers (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

So here we go again. There’s been no conversations. I want to make it clear… Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear.

Doc Rivers told reporters

This was the Bucks head coach reiterating that his most important superstar has not indeed asked to leave the franchise. He believes that is what the source says, hence any other reports are not genuine.

This could be a way for Doc Rivers to deflect heat off his team, as he knows, based on experience, how it can affect morale. With his team struggling despite starting the season strong, he needs them focused rather than worrying if their team leader will leave.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury throws a wrench in trade talks

There are nearly 2 months before the Milwaukee Bucks could find a deal that entices them enough to allow Giannis Antetokounmpo to walk out of their facilities.

However, that largely depends on how long the superstar will be out. To complete a trade, the said player has to pass his physical. Otherwise, the deal will be nullified.

During the first few minutes of their game against the East-leading Detroit Pistons, the 6′ 11″ star dribbled towards the baseline and passed the rock to his teammate as he was going out of bounds.

While jogging his way back onto the court, Antetokounmpo went down onto the floor. He sat with his legs folded and needed the help of the Bucks’ medical staff to get off the floor.

He did walk under his own power down the tunnel, but video clips show he was doing so as gingerly as he possibly could. It was later reported that the forward had a right calf strain.

If he does become healthy before the trade deadline, that could impact his future and that of the Bucks, who would like to get the most out of this deal.

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