“I’m Extremely Loyal,” Giannis Antetokounmpo Puts Milwaukee Bucks Trade Rumors to Bed With Interview

Giannis Antetokounmpo sat down for an interview and emphasized that he is loyal and committed to the Milwaukee Bucks.

“I’m Extremely Loyal,” Giannis Antetokounmpo Puts Milwaukee Bucks Trade Rumors to Bed With Interview

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirms his commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks amid trade rumors.
  • He has missed nine games due to injury but maintains strong individual performance averages.
  • Antetokounmpo's loyalty is questioned by fans, with speculation about a potential offseason trade.

There is no doubt that Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA today. While his performances have not translated into playoff success in recent years, he remains a player who could turn the tide in his team’s favor. Before the trade deadline, all signs pointed towards Antetokounmpo’s exit.

There were several reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to leave the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, but nothing was materialized. However, after a poor start to the season, rumors that Antetokounmpo wanted out resurfaced.

Antetokounmpo has missed the last nine games due to injury and is ruled out for the NBA All-Star Game. The Bucks won their last two games heading into the All-Star break. They are 12th in the Eastern Conference standings at 23-30 and are currently outside the play-in spots. Despite their poor record, Antetokounmpo has been performing at a high level and is averaging 28 points, ten rebounds and 5.6 assists.

With several teams trying to trade for the Greek superstar at the trade deadline, Antetokounmpo ended up staying in Milwaukee. The 31-year-old denied asking for a trade and reiterated his love for the city. But the rumors will heat up once again at the end of the season.

The 2021 Finals MVP sat down for an interview with Malika Andrews and spoke about being committed to the Bucks.

As of today I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m committed to the people that I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, coach Doc and Jon in the front office, you will never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck. I am a winner and I’m extremely loyal. If there were ever be a scenario of me not being a Milwaukee Buck no more I don’t want anybody to ever think like hey man I quit on my team because this is my team and I love it.

Drafted as the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA draft, Antetokounmpo has grown into one of the best players in the league and has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Bucks. Loyalty is something that has been lacking in the modern NBA, hence, it is refreshing to see a player like Antetokounmpo wanting to spend his entire career in one franchise.

NBA fans react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s interview with ESPN

Whenever a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber is in trade talks, it is bound to create a lot of noise. While the reports of his exit got louder, the forward stood firm on wanting to stay in Milwaukee and shut down the rumors on social media. Hence, it created a lot of confusion in the NBA world.

The whole chaotic situation led to some criticism of Antetokounmpo for not handling it well. After the interview, NBA fans took to social media to express their opinions.

It appears that the fans are not happy with Antetokounmpo’s statements and believe it is only a matter of time before he is traded away.

Myles Turner on Giannis Antetokounmpo handling the whole situation well

Myles Turner joined the Bucks in the offseason, putting an end to a ten-year spell with the Indiana Pacers. After the trade of Damian Lillard in the offseason, the Bucks have made no big trades to help their star player this season.

Turner and New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart, on their Game Recognize Game podcast, talked about how the mood in the locker room has been amid this madness. Turner said:

Myles Turner and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Myles Turner and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits – The New York Times)

I think it starts with literally what he is doing now, you can kind of see him, kind of can’t. He’s just out there, putting in the work, bro. I think that’s a really big thing. He worked through all that noise. One thing I have to give him credit for is, he’s been dealing with this for quite some time now. Especially when he’s hurt and not playing. So, it’s not an easy time but I think he’s handling it really well and it’s not going to stop anytime soon.

While Antetokounmpo will remain with the Bucks for the 2025-26 campaign, the noise will only get louder from here. With the Bucks struggling to have a competitive roster around their franchise player, it makes sense for the former champion to leave in the offseason and not waste the prime years of his career not contending for a championship.

Also Read: