After the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of this year's playoffs in five games, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo was open-minded about leaving the Bucks this offseason.
Milwaukee has won just one postseason series since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games.
Since Damian Lillard could miss all of next season recovering from his left Achilles tendon tear, many fans and pundits believe Antetokounmpo should ask out of Milwaukee this offseason.
However, it doesn't look like Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and a one-time Finals MVP, will be playing for a new team next season.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo
It looks like Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying with the Bucks.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Bucks are operating as if Antetokounmpo will remain with them.
“The Bucks have not entertained trade inquiries from opposing front offices, according to league sources. Milwaukee continues to operate as if Antetokounmpo will be sticking around,” Fischer wrote.
Antetokounmpo, 30, will make $54.1 million next season. The Bucks signed the superstar forward to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023.
A future Hall of Famer, Antetokounmpo made the All-NBA First Team this season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks for the Bucks while shooting 60.1% from the field and 61.7% from the free-throw line.
Antetokounmpo has career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks. He is one of three players in NBA history to win MVP and DPOY in the same season.
Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon are the other two players to accomplish that feat.
If Antetokounmpo does remain with the Bucks, it will be fascinating to see if Milwaukee's front office makes any blockbuster trades this offseason.