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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the top NBA story of the season so far. A difficult season for Milwaukee sees Antetokounmpo in trade rumors ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. Previous reports of Antetokounmpo considering requesting a trade in the summer sees a great chance now. The Bucks convinced Giannis to give them another shot to start the season, and it has failed to lead to winning.
NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo are currently in a “staring contest” about their future together:
“One league executive told me it’s a staring contest. The Bucks are tripling down and saying they aren’t entertaining any trade interest for Giannis until he asks out. The reality is, Giannis ain’t asking out either.”
Antetokounmpo must formally made a trade request and confirm that he no longer wants to play for the Bucks franchise. However, that is a tough decision that can’t be undone once he pulls the trigger to say farewell to the only NBA team he’s known. Giannis is clearly taking his time and not trying to force his hand until he feels it’s the point of no return.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo May Not Move
The talking point of neither Milwaukee nor Antetokounmpo wanting to make the move means that fans shouldn’t expect a fast trade. Most MVP level franchise greats to get traded will see that move coming in the offseason. Both parties usually benefit from this situation. Antetokounmpo wouldn’t have to force a new start in the middle of the season, and the Bucks would likely get more trade offers.
Giannis has been rumored to have his strongest interest in joining the New York Knicks or Miami Heat. Both teams lack a perfect scenario for Antetokounmpo to easily get there in under two months. The Knicks don’t have enough assets to appease Milwaukee, unless they settle for less to reward Antetokounmpo’s preference.
Miami would have a couple of promising young talents, but they need the NBA to approve the trade of Terry Rozier’s contract being moved while he’s in a gambling scandal. Giannis’ current injury could see him waiting for a return before making any decisions, but there will be little time to force a trade after he returns.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Get Traded
The Bucks are hoping to keep Antetokounmpo and have their all-time great legend remain the face of the franchise. However, it is just impossible to find a realistic scenario where Milwaukee can easily contend for the NBA Championship again, like Giannis is seeking for his NBA career.
Antetokounmpo has stated that winning is most important, so committing to the Bucks for the rest of the season means wasting a year of his career. Kevin Durant is the most recent and biggest instance of a top name requesting out midseason.
The “staring contest” comment from Fischer basically places full responsibility on Giannis to request the move since Milwaukee has no desire to trade him. It all comes back to if Antetokounmpo wants to compete for an NBA Championship this season or not to define his decision for the future.