Although he is unsure of what might unfold, outgoing Bucks president Peter Feigin certainly wants Antetokounmpo to stay in Milwaukee.
Outgoing Milwaukee Bucks president Peter Feigin received the keys to the city on Thursday for his major contributions to the entire organization. Yet while he is about to leave the Bucks, he is also fully mindful of the trade noise surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Bucks / Schedule
Appearing on Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, Feigin admitted that he understands the context behind the noise surrounding the uncertain future of the Greek superstar in Milwaukee.
"I mean, to me, it’s the same," he said. "If people don’t think that people are curious and interested over a period of time — anytime — for your global superstar and directionally what’s happening, they’re crazy. You know, 29 teams are interested and have called us. And I think it’s a little more punctuated just because we’re seven days away from the trade deadline or whatever we are, so the gravity becomes a little bit more. But I think, directionally, that’s what’s going to happen.
"I tell people, including my mom, like, hey, this is business as usual until it’s not. And I’ll just tell you, listen, part of Giannis being there today is like — this guy, this is his life. He’s a person, he’s human. Giannis would be happy with no controversy, no nothing, having the growth and support around him. This is his home, and he just loves it. He just wishes it was all about basketball."
As he accepted the keys to the city, Giannis made a special appearance to support Feigin. Both figures have established close connections to each other as they ushered the Bucks to success.
It was recently reported that the Bucks are now fielding offers around Antetokounmpo, in which the superstar is ready to move on and find his new home. The likes of the New York Knicks, Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors have primarily emerged as the potential top landing spots for the 31-year-old.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
MIN: 29.11
PTS: 28.29 (65.48%)
REB: 9.89
AS: 5.64
ST: 0.89
BL: 0.71
TO: 3.29
GM: 28
This season has been an absolute nightmare for both Giannis and the Bucks. They are on the verge of missing the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 10 years with an 18-28 record. With this awful standing, Milwaukee is 4.0 games away from the final Play-In spot.
Giannis, on his end, struggled to keep himself healthy. He is continuing to nurse his new calf injury and could only return by March.
Whether he’ll still be wearing a Bucks uniform for his upcoming on-court return remains uncertain as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches.
Although he is unsure if Giannis will finish his career in Milwaukee, Feigin certainly wants nothing but to see the all-time great remain a Buck.
Giannis transformed the Bucks into an NBA powerhouse upon his meteoric rise. From being a lanky prospect from Greece, he became a two-time league MVP and the centerpiece of the franchise's 2021 championship victory.
"I certainly wish this has been back to what it means personally to me. I only want greatness for this team and this city, and I've become so attached. I think certainly Giannis is such a huge component to the greatness of this team and the city," Feigin said.
"So, personally, I'd always love to see Giannis as a Buck."
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