Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to be the latest high-profile player considering a potential exit as the Milwaukee Bucks slide to 10th place in the Eastern Conference with an 11-15 record. Given the influence modern NBA superstars hold, it’s no surprise that more are pushing for moves when their current situation no longer aligns with their ambitions.
Former NBA player Iman Shumpert claimed that Antetokounmpo’s recent calf injury might be a deliberate strategy to hasten his departure from Milwaukee.
Iman Shumphert believes Giannis Antetokounmpo shut it down to get traded 👀
“Giannis cut corners. I could do it but imma sit down. I’m bout to get traded. He usually do play. Now he’s trynna get trade. We all know what’s going on.”
(h/t @NBA__Courtside)pic.twitter.com/8mmsYhPlvO
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 11, 2025
“That’s what Giannis did, he cut corners. I could do it, but imma sit down because I’m gonna get traded. Now he’s trying to get traded. We all know what’s going on. He’s one of the hardest working, I’m going to play-blue-collar men in the league. Go and get traded and then bring your calf back to health all of a sudden. He don’t wanna play for you guys no more. He’s sick of the small market. He said he wants the big lights. ‘Welcome to New York!’” said the former member of the Knicks via NBA Courtside.
From a basketball perspective, adding the two-time MVP would immediately raise the Knicks’ ceiling. Their physical, hardworking role players combined with the scoring punch of Jalen Brunson and Giannis Antetokounmpo could position them for a real championship push, especially in an Eastern Conference without a clear superteam this season.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Knicks?
Nov 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
With averages of 28.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season, it’s evident that Giannis still has several years of MVP-caliber performance ahead. Naturally, he wants to make the most of these peak years by chasing another championship.
However, with the Bucks built mostly around role players, “The Greek Freak” has had to shoulder the team on both ends of the floor game after game just to stay competitive. It now appears that Giannis may have reached his breaking point.
Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles as New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
After Shams Charania reported that Giannis and his agent had begun discussions about his future outside Milwaukee, it was striking that the following day news emerged announcing the two-time MVP would miss two to four weeks due to a calf strain.
For now, Shumpert insists the Knicks fanbase could soon have another superstar to rally behind this season. He believes any major shift involving Giannis could unfold within the next few weeks.