For years, Milwaukee Bucks fans have hoped that Giannis Antetokounmpo would not request a trade from the franchise. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo, who has always expressed a desire to stay with the team for his entire NBA career, has apparently been hoping the team won't be the one to trade him. The Greek Freak was very open in an interview with overseas outlet Sport24 recently.
"Look, I hope it never happens, but I’m expecting it too. Just because you’ve given a lot to the team doesn’t mean the team won’t do what’s best for itself. It’s not always the same owners... Sure, if my head were in the clouds, I’d say, ‘No way I get traded, I’m Giannis Antetokounmpo.’ Because I’m not in the clouds and I’m very normal, grounded, I say anything is possible—you never know."
Giannis, the Bucks won't be trading you anytime soon
Antetokounmpo, like the rest of the NBA world, was clearly shocked by the Luka Doncic trade from earlier this year. Out of absolute nowhere, the Dallas Mavericks traded their franchise superstar to a West rival. It was so shocking that everyone was initially convinced that it was fake. That deal showed that absolutely anyone in the NBA can get traded at any given minute.
Knowing Milwaukee's approach, Giannis should calm any fear of getting traded. One of the reasons why Doncic got traded was because he didn't align with the vision of Nico Harrison, Dallas' general manager. Meanwhile, Jon Horst, Milwaukee's general manager, and the rest of the team constantly reiterate how they are building around Giannis to maximize his prime. These aren't comparable.
Unless the Milwaukee Bucks completely clean house, selling the team and firing everyone in the front office soon after, there seems to be a zero percent chance that the team initiates a Giannis trade. It feels like the only legitimate way the Greek Freak ever plays for a different NBA squad is if he outright forces his way out of town, something he's never indicated he would even think about.
In theory, this could be another way for Giannis to remain on his toes. In the same interview, Giannis talked about how he always wants a challenge. Perhaps the Doncic trade put it into his mind that he could be traded if he didn't help the Milwaukee Bucks get back to their winning ways. Even if it is far from the truth, it never hurts to keep the star player a little extra motivated.
No one in Milwaukee is thinking about a trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo right now, which was made clear by the recent signing of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, his older brother. While the outsiders salivate at the slim-to-none chance, the Milwaukee Bucks are getting ready for the new year with a new roster around their star. Don't expect their stance to change anytime soon.
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