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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks survived the trade deadline without having to lose franchise great Giannis Antetokounmpo, but his recent comments prove the saga has not ended. ESPN’s Malika Andrews conducted a sit-down interview with Antetokounmpo during All-Star Weekend to discuss his future. Giannis was flat out asked if he’d be content playing in Milwaukee if the team is unable to contend for an NBA Championship.
The Greek superstar had a strong statement that claimed winning is still most important:
“No. I want to win, but the most important thing, I want to win a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. And if that’s not on the table or in the plans, so that’s when you’re like maybe I got to pivot because I really want to win.”
Everyone expected a trade this season due to the Bucks showing they have no chance of contending for an NBA Championship with this current roster. The current record sees them fighting to get one of the late play-in spots, with minimal change of winning a series if they even do make the playoff. Antetokounmpo will have to address his future again in the offseason if the team can’t add top level talent.
NBA Fans Growing Frustrated With Giannis
The trade saga about Antetokounmpo and his future in Milwaukee has started to grow stale due to his differing comments. Strong statements before the season started featured Giannis claiming that he wants to contend for an NBA Championship. The team constantly losing under heavy pressure led to the trade rumors growing stronger.
Antetokounmpo was on the trade market ahead of the deadline with rumors of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat having offers that came close. The deadline eventually ended with Giannis choosing to stand pat and stay with Milwaukee. Comments after the deadline saw Antetokounmpo mocking the trade reports that didn’t come to fruition.
This recent quote shows he’s still putting pressure on the Bucks and talking about needing a move if they don’t win. Many responses on social media featured fans calling out Giannis for going back and forth. A franchise great staying with his team is wonderful, but he’s constantly talking about leaving if the lackluster roster can’t win.
Giannis May Get Traded This Offseason
The Bucks have a slim chance to improve, unless free agent signing Cam Thomas becomes an All-Star level player. Antetokounmpo’s best teammates are currently Thomas and Myles Turner to show the limited chance they have of becoming a contender by next season.
Milwaukee has tried to get involved in trades for talents like Ja Morant or other stars on the market. Unfortunately, they lack draft picks and young players that other teams would want in exchange for a difference maker to truly improve the roster.
A disappointing season will see Giannis expecting big moves since he’s still talking about winning another title. The trade rumors will likely restart quickly, unless Antetokounmpo bluntly shuts it down and says he’s happy in Milwaukee. Multiple teams held on to their best trade assets in hopes of having a chance at Antetokounmpo in the offseason.