There have been plenty of NBA rumors suggesting that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo could push for a blockbuster trade this offseason. As this trade chatter continues, Antetokounmpo has been in Brazil celebrating the renovation of public basketball courts, taking in some international football matches and spending time with fans in South America.
The Bucks star has previously been silent as NBA insiders weigh in on his future in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo just made his strongest statement yet about his mindset amid trade rumors. The superstar is on a three-year, $175 million contract with the Bucks that is slated to go through the 2027-28 season.
Yet, this has not stopped speculation about Antetokounmpo potentially requesting a trade in the coming months.
NBA trade rumors
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
During an interview with Coast to Coast Brazil, Antetokounmpo spoke about wanting to get the Bucks back to the NBA Finals, indicating the star's mind is on remaining in Milwaukee. The original interview was posted in Portuguese and has been translated into English.
“There are two great teams that made it there, two great teams," Antetokounmpo explained during the interview posted on Monday. "... Indiana, with my friend Pascal Siakam, is reaping the rewards, and on OKC’s side, the MVP is simply there.
"I’m rooting for good basketball. That’s it. The finals are different, I hope to be back soon with the Bucks.”
League insider Marc Stein reported that the Bucks' biggest pitch to Antetokounmpo to stay is reminding him that the path to the NBA Finals is much clearer in the Eastern Conference.
"Word is that the Bucks are trying to build a good bit of their case for convincing Antetokounmpo to give them another shot to build a title team around him by loudly reminding him about the current state of the Eastern Conference," Stein detailed on May 26.