A one-team career in the NBA is very rare these days and Charles Barkley hopes Giannis Antetokounmpo will be added to that shortlist through the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates his MVP award with Bucks fans.
2019-07-14 Giannis
The Greek Freak’s future is among the hottest topic these days as media continue to fuel rumors about his alleged dissatisfaction with the franchise. Many think the two-time MVP should move on from the team that drafted him, the team with whom he experienced almost every pain and joy.
This is despite the many times that Giannis and people close to him saying he has no plans to leave.
Barkley, who himself jumped from one team to another to chase a ring, has a different opinion. He said he would love it if Antetokounmpo will remain a Buck for the rest of his career.
“He don’t have to move. I would love to see him spend his entire career in Milwaukee,” Barkley said in the Inside the NBA show on Tuesday.
He also expressed frustration on fans thinking players should get help to win a ring by leaving.
“I 100% agree with you,” he added.
Charles Barkley
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Charles Barkley is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
“It bothers me. I get annoyed at people on television. They’re like, ‘It’s time for Giannis to leave Milwaukee.’ I’m like, ‘Wait, y’all didn’t say that about me. Y’all didn’t say that about Patrick Ewing.’ All of a sudden, today’s players, we have to help them win a championship.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo for Cooper Flagg
The NBA, of course, is a business and Milwaukee can’t afford to lose Antetokounmpo for nothing.
Barkley suggested that in case the Bucks want to rebuild, they should trade the Greek Freak for probable 2025 no. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. The Dallas Mavericks got the first pick after the lottery.
“If I’m Milwaukee, the first call I’m making is to Dallas,” he said.
Cooper Flagg
May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
“If Cooper Flagg goes to Dallas, are they contenders next year? That would be a great way for Milwaukee to rebound. Because you have to understand something else about Milwaukee, Dame’s out all of next year, basically, too. So you’re like ‘ok’. This would be a good situation.”
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!