Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks on the court before the start of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
There are few players that have done as little to generate buzz around the NBA as Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. He does not seek out the media or make misleading “Decision 2.0” teases that turn out to be ads a la Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. He does not get into trouble with the law, nor does he do many interviews or mainstream podcast appearances.
But he is one of the best players of the NBA, the first player in league history to average over 30 points per game while shooting 60% or better from the field, and he has done so in back-to-back seasons. Indeed, he is easily the best player in Bucks franchise history and the most beloved player among fans.
Because of these facts, a recent report that Giannis explored the possibility of requesting a trade during the offseason has made the fanbase feel uneasy. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the two-time NBA MVP toyed with the possibility of asking to be traded to the New York Knicks, but ultimately decided to run it back with Milwaukee.
But one of Giannis’ former Bucks teammates is not so sure this is all true.
For his part, Giannis has always maintained that he is loyal to the Bucks. As recently as this past summer, he told fans at an expo that he wants to spend his entire career in Milwaukee.
But there is always a caveat: he wants to win.
Make no mistake: he wants to win in Milwaukee. But if the Bucks, who have not made it out of the first round of the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, do not make him feel like they can compete for another NBA Championship, he will want to play elsewhere.
This is nothing new, though. Giannis has been saying the same thing for years. And one of his former teammates, Brandon Jennings (who coined the “Bucks in Six” catchphrase), believes it is the mainstream media who is fueling these rumors, not the Greek Freak himself:
Of course, he is right. Giannis has never ever said that he wants to be traded. Even the latest report that he considered requesting a trade cited sources from the league, not Giannis himself.
Now, Giannis did say during his own media session that he has the right to change his mind, and he is right. However, he also stated that he is 100% locked in on this season and believes that the Bucks have a roster that can compete for a title.
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