For the Milwaukee Bucks, the ongoing saga involving trade discourse around Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate their offseason, and it doesn’t seem to be getting solved anytime soon.
Per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee may not be known for a bit more time, as the situation probably won’t reach a head until he returns from the EuroBasket tournament, where he is playing with Team Greece.
“It is clear Giannis wants to win, which is why a lot of pressure has been thrown on GM Jon Horst and Milwaukee's front office,” Siegel said. “At the same time, Antetokounmpo doesn't necessarily want to leave the franchise he's spent his entire career with and that has helped him become the legend he is today.”
There has been no indication that Antetokounmpo, nor the Bucks are interested in moving on
Antetokounmpo, nor the Bucks have indicated that they want to break up their 12-year marriage. Yet, the lack of clarity has forced many to speculate whether he could be on the move after all.
Antetokounmpo is still at the top of his game this far into his career. This past season, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game as he was named an All-Star for the ninth time, and also All-NBA for the ninth time.
The Bucks are hopeful they can keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee going forward. The team already made the controversial decision to waive Damian Lillard after his achilles injury, and has signed center Myles Turner to a four-year deal. Given the state of their roster, if the Bucks want to contend at all next season, they’ll need Antetokounmpo to remain in Milwaukee.