There was a time when it seemed unthinkable that Giannis Antetokounmpo would ever suit up for anyone other than the Milwaukee Bucks. Yet the NBA is a ruthless business, and the two-time MVP now appears caught in the most frustrating chapter of his career in Milwaukee.
Giannis’ apparent lack of engagement has prompted Vernon Maxwell to publicly call out the Bucks for holding onto a superstar who clearly seeks a new situation to reignite his love for basketball.
Mad Max came through with THE SMOKE today 😤🔥
Matt & Max weigh in on the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis, and the chaos heading into the trade deadline 👀
ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged just dropped on YouTube 💨 pic.twitter.com/pYRddJmG0D
— All the Smoke (@allthesmokeprod) January 28, 2026
“First of all, let’s get Giannis out that motherf–er man. That’s some bulls–t they putting that kid through. All the s–t that man done did for that bulls–t a– motherf—ers that sit in Milwaukee. I can’t stand you motherf—ers. I don’t like Milwaukee no more. F–k Milwaukee… What they doing to Giannis is f—ed up! I don’t like it. It’s disrespectful. Giannis done gave ya’ll everything,” Maxwell remarked during his appearance at the All The Smoke podcast.
In addition, the Bucks’ failure to put together a trade that either bolstered the roster or moved Giannis caused team chemistry to unravel. Double-digit losses piled up, home fans grew increasingly hostile, and the team eventually dropped out of the Play-In positions.
Vernon Maxwell on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
Nov 19, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Former Houston Rockets Vernon Maxwell waves to the fans before the start of the fourth quarter of the game between the Rockets vs Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Rockets won 111-102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s time for Giannis to the f–k out of there!” the former NBA star continued.
It’s clear that Giannis has been the core of the Bucks for more than ten years. His relentless approach, leadership, and fierce mentality helped define the team’s identity and elevated Milwaukee into a true contender and one of the most exciting franchises in the NBA.
In addition, Giannis led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021, turning the small-market team into a franchise that attracted the attention of other top-tier players.
Mar 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits on the bench during a time out against the Orlando Magic in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Bucks fans have also become so frustrated that they’ve even booed their own players, including Giannis. At the same time, the front office appears largely unconcerned about their star’s growing dissatisfaction, a stance that has drawn strong criticism from Maxwell.
This feels like another unavoidable split in NBA history, one where both sides stretched the relationship too far, and it has finally run its course. Giannis may not carry any ill will toward the team, but it’s obvious he no longer envisions a future with a roster that lacks purpose, ambition, and the will to compete at the highest level.