Giannis Antetokounmpo is still among the best players in the league – third in MVP voting this season – and in case he decides to move to another team and team up with another superstar, Shaquille O’Neal has a challenge for the Milwaukee Bucks franchise player.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Bucks news
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“If you do that, you’ll have to be at the forefront of those superstars,” Shaq in the latest episode of his podcast released on Thursday.
“If he teams up with KD or LeBron, make sure you’re in charge,” he added.
Video starts at 39:00 mark.
Are there any superstars trying to get Antetokounmpo? The top three players from last season are Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, there are no reports linking them to the Bucks superstar.
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Nov 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball past Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Other players considered superstars are Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Lebron James, Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, and Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard. None of these teams have expressed interest to trade for the Greek Freak.
The only teams who reportedly had interest on him are the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors and both of them have no legit superstar.
Shaq is against Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving Bucks
Lots of superstars from before were forced to become the second in command when they welcomed new star. Most notable of which was Dywane Wade in 2010 when he teamed up with Lebron James in the Miami Heat who he already led to a title.
Shaq was part of the Heat’s title-winning team in 2006.
Although the Lakers legend put forward the idea of Giannis playing for another team, he already expressed opposition to it.
He said it does not make sense for Giannis to leave and choose a big market team since social media is also a market now. He also thinks that he will gain no financial benefit from it.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Adrian Wojnarowski
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on in the final seconds of the game against the Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“You got to LA, and now 50% of your contract goes to taxes, more pressure, and more stress,” he said back in early June.
“Being that he’s in control of that ship, he should go upstairs and be like, ‘I want to see all the free agents, I want all the phone numbers, I’ll talk to them.’ He should bring people to him.”
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