Big market are not as attractive anymore and that is why for NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, Giannis Antetokounmpo has no business leaving the Milwaukee for any so-called big cities.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic
Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Lots of names are being attached to the Greek Freak these days following another dismal playoff performance by his team. Question about his future instantly popped up after their early exit.
Among those being attached to him are the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets. Toronto Raptors is the latest with one source saying Antetokounmpo and the Canadian team have a mutual interest.
O’Neal advises the Greek Freak to not chase big cities anymore. One reason he uses is the tax he’ll have to pay living in those cities.
“Social media is the market now. Giannis has made a name for himself on social media,” Shaq said via Yahoo! Sports.
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MINNEAPOLIS – MAY 29: Shaquille O’Neal #34 and Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers stand on the court while playing againt the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2004 NBA Playoffs on May 29, 2004 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTICE 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: Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo By David S. Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
“You got to LA, and now 50% of your contract goes to taxes, more pressure, and more stress. Being that he’s in control of that ship, he should go upstairs and be like, ‘I want to see all the free agents, I want all the phone numbers, I’ll talk to them.’ He should bring people to him.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s closest response to trade rumors
Antetokounmpo remains mum about his future despite him being very active on social media.
Should fans be worried? The superstar’s close friends and former teammates already clarified that he has no plan to leave or that he is too loyal to abandon a sinking ship.
Giannis may have been giving out clues on his decision, which he does not need to rush since he will only become an unrestricted free agent by the 2028-2029 season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Kyle Kuzma
Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) warms up with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Kyle Kuzma made a playful threat on him on Instagram, saying he will beat him up if he leaves Milwaukee. Giannis responded only with a laughing and hand on the head emoji.
Kyle Kuzma via his IG story 👀🤣
Giannis shared. #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/SlPLzdFpdV
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) June 2, 2025
Bucks players remain connected with each other. Maybe that’s a clue.
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