In the NBA, it is not uncommon for superstar players to have a say when it comes to moves the front office makes. Following a shocking move from the Milwaukee Bucks, one former player opened up on the behind-the-scenes influence Giannis Antetokounmpo has within the organization.
Earlier this week, the Bucks made a drastic move by opting to waive-and-stretch All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. This was largely done so that Milwaukee could sign veteran big man Myles Turner to a four-year contract. The longtime Indiana Pacers center will now be Giannis' new frontcourt partner after Brook Lopez departed for the LA Clippers in free agency.
During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, John Henson touched on Giannis and his relationship with the Bucks. He stated that the superstar forward typically doesn't get involved with the front office, but has spoken up on some rare occasions.
"Giannis when he was younger they would call him about trades," Henson said. "Specifically there was a trade a long time ago, Khris Middleton for Jimmy Butler swap. Giannis was like nah we're not doing that...Something's wrong he will say something but for the most part, let's the front office do its thing."
"There was a trade…Khris Middleton for Jimmy Butler swap – Giannis was like ‘nah we’re not doing that’ – that was only time I ever saw him stand up and say something” 👀@Johnhenson31 gives insight to @worldwidewob & @adaniels33 about Giannis and the team’s front office. pic.twitter.com/bmEmkfJgR4
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 2, 2025
Henson was a lottery pick by the Bucks back in 2012. He spent the vast majority of his playing career in Milwaukee, spending seven seasons with the franchise. Henson was last on a roster in 2020 for a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons.
While Giannis might not work directly with the front office, he has applied pressure to them with his outside comments on more than one occasion. Still with a desire to compete for championships, only time will tell if their recent moves are enough to keep the homegrown star around for at least another season.