The Milwaukee Bucks operated under the assumption that Giannis Antetokounmpo does not want to be traded this offseason, but one league insider still thinks there’s a possibility that he asks out.
The Milwaukee Bucks, after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the third season in a row, immediately became the subject of the most intense NBA trade rumors this summer.
Franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo, fed up with the organization’s lack of success in recent seasons, was expected to demand a trade. Instead, he was silent about his future, so unchecked speculation ran wild.
In an effort to appease their star, the Bucks waived the injured Damian Lillard and brought in Myles Turner as a floor-spacing, Brook Lopez upgrade, and for a while, that seemed to be enough.
Shams Charania thinks everyone is wrong.
Photo by John Fisher/Getty ImagesGiannis Antetokounmpo has not committed to the Bucks
After the Bucks landed Turner for the next four seasons, it seemed like the Bucks would be able to put their foot on the gas. After all, Giannis has long made it clear that he covets winning above all else. He would prefer to bring another banner to Milwaukee, although if he finds success elsewhere, so be it.
Originally, Turner was expected to be the missing piece, with Antetokounmpo stepping into a larger playmaking role in the absence of Lillard. However, Antetokounmpo has yet to make it clear if he’s happy with the Bucks or not.
“Sources tell me there’s still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving,” said ESPN’s Shams Charania. “The constant question that Giannis has, though, is, ‘Can I win a championship with this roster? Is this roster going to be one for this upcoming year and 2026-27?’”
If Antetokounmpo demands a trade, the Bucks are expected to fold to his desire and will have more than their fair share of suitors interested. Giannis is expected to fetch the biggest trade package in NBA history, but Milwaukee won’t be able to walk away scot-free.
Bucks could have wasted $113 million if Giannis leaves
The Bucks, when they waived Damian Lillard, stretched the remainder of his contract over the next five seasons and owe him $113 million not to play for them.
Bobby Bonilla would be proud.
Lillard was waived with the express intent to make room for Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million deal with Milwaukee. The plan was for Turner to replace the aging Brook Lopez, anchor the paint, and space the floor on offense while Antetokounmpo continued to dominate.
However, if he demands a trade, even a roster built around Turner won’t be able to compete, and the Bucks added an extra three years of payment to Lillard for effectively nothing.
Granted, Lillard left some money on the table during the buyout, although if the Bucks knew that Giannis would walk, they likely would have bitten the bullet and retained the injured point guard.