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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks had to deal with offseason trade rumors regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. A report from ESPN’s Shams Charania stated that Antetokounmpo was finally open to being moved after several years in Milwaukee.
In the end, Antetokounmpo stayed with the Bucks. He even endorsed bringing in Myles Turner at the expense of Damian Lillard. Now, the Bucks have slipped to 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. Antetokounmpo is also injured, suffering a calf strain.
Antetokounmpo is now reportedly meeting with his agent to determine his future in the NBA. Now, Charania is reporting that the situation is starting to have a negative effect on the locker room in Milwaukee.
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo surveys the floor. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo Negatively Affecting Locker Room
While reporting on NBA Today, Charania detailed the effect that this situation is starting to have on the Bucks’ locker room.
“My understanding is that the locker room can also feel the tension at play here. The harder dialogue could occur, depending on how this team shapes up the rest of this month. They have six of their next nine games on the road, so it’s a tough schedule coming up.”
The Bucks are still hopeful that they will be able to persuade Antetokounmpo to stay. Of course, that will all depend on how many games they win before the trade deadline emerges in February. Milwaukee will have to do that without Antetokounmpo on the floor, as well.
The other players who are in the locker room are under an enormous amount of pressure. Turner, who was signed to a four-year deal worth $108.9 million this summer, is now looked at as the best player. If he can’t elevate this game, this Bucks team is in danger of a serious slide.
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks Need Will Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo As Long As Possible
Milwaukee does not want to trade Antetokounmpo. The only reason they would is if Antetokounmpo demands out because he believes he cannot win another title with the Bucks. At that point, offers would start flowing in, and the Bucks would make a deal.
The Bucks will try to keep Antetokounmpo as long as possible. He is the face of the franchise and the face of the city. Fans will be mad if he leaves to go somewhere else in the next few years. Still, this is not a Luka Doncic situation where the Bucks will only send him to one destination.
Even if Antetokounmpo wants to play in one spot, the Bucks will need to get the requisite assets in return to honor his wishes. In any trade involving Antetokounmpo, they would need to have multiple draft assets and young players in return for him.
The Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, and multiple other teams have been linked to interest in Antetokounmpo. Every team in the league would love to have him. Now, it will come down to whether or not Antetokounmpo decides he is officially done in Milwaukee.