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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after not being allowed to enter game during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
NBA insider Zach Lowe is skeptical about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s latest actions with the Milwaukee Bucks. Reports indicate that Milwaukee wants to sit Antetokounmpo out for the rest of the season due to his latest injury creating more fear for his health and the team’s record being too weak to accomplish anything of note this season. However, Giannis is reportedly refusing to accept this and is trying to force a return to the court.
Lowe shared the following theory about why he thinks Antetokounmpo is doing this to set up his offseason trade request:
“You haven’t even been healthy for like a month straight all season, so this leg stuff is getting a little scary. I won’t be surprised if he releases a statement saying some 10-year-old kid in Orlando wants to see me play, and I totally think that’s perfect for the kid, and that’s awesome. But it’s a perfectly reasonable request.
I’m tired of it because this feels like, honestly, if I were a player, and I wanted to get traded but I didn’t want to look like the bad guy, this feels like a really good, manufactured way for that to happen. For me to be like, ‘we had this dispute, but I wanted to play and honor my contract, but they didn’t let me, so that pissed me off.’”
Lowe expects Giannis to request a trade and claim that this dispute with the Bucks played a role in him finally wanting out.
Chances Of Giannis Trade This Summer
The trade deadline passing over a month ago shocked NBA fans when the Bucks ended up keeping Antetokounmpo despite entertaining offers. Rumors indicated that Milwaukee had interest in offers from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat before they ended talks.
Giannis being content with staying gave the Bucks enough reason to keep their franchise great since he’s arguably the most important player in team history. However, Milwaukee continues to lose with him on the court and holds little chance of improving.
The only way for the Bucks to have a brighter future and for Antetokounmpo to contend is a trade in the offseason. Both sides have tried to put it off, but they are reaching the point of no return for more failed results.
Why Zach Lowe’s Theory Makes Sense
The strangest thing about the ongoing saga between the Bucks and Giannis is the latter’s comments. Antetokounmpo constantly talks about how he wants to retire in Milwaukee and holds loyalty to the fan base that welcomed him as a teen many years before he looked like a superstar.
Giannis also talks about his goal being to contend for an NBA Championship above everything else to put his future in doubt. The desire to play high level basketball but not upset fans via demanding a trade is the dilemma that follows Antetokounmpo.
Lowe’s point shows a scenario where Giannis could have an excuse over butting heads with the franchise to require a trade. Regardless, both parties will need to move on from each other to get in a better situation or more disappointing seasons will follow.