There has been plenty of chatter about Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, but not enough about him staying. It's not like the two-time MVP has requested a trade flat-out. It appears the Bucks will still have a shot to keep him if the offseason goes their way, and even Giannis seems like he is open to it. Speaking on School of Hard Knocks, the forward made his feelings clear.
“They reached out and said they want to open a restaurant here in Milwaukee because I'm Greek. I was like ‘oh, lovely!’ After the games I’ll be able to come eat here….. 2013, I got drafted, I came here to Milwaukee, I’ve been here 13 years with the team and hopefully many more.”
Staying remains an option for Giannis
As long as the Milwaukee Bucks are competitive, Giannis has no problem staying. This is what he has been saying for years. It's too early to tell how the Bucks will look this coming season, but it wouldn't be too shocking if management were communicating its plan to Giannis, letting him know what changes they are eyeing as the draft and free agency near.
The team made a significant change at head coach, dumping Doc Rivers to bring in Taylor Jenkins, which is already a step in the right direction. If they swing a draft night trade for a piece or two that shows how committed to contending the Bucks truly are, it wouldn't be shocking if Giannis were to extend his commitment to the franchise that drafted him.
For everyone talking like Giannis is gone for good, that's not quite the case yet. Giannis saying he will "hopefully" be in Milwaukee for many more years is a clear sign he'd like to stay in an ideal world. It will be up to the Bucks to make that dream a reality.
The wait continues as the draft nears
The Milwaukee Bucks want to get this situation figured out by the NBA Draft, which is still weeks away. There won't be much clarity anytime soon. Several teams remain in pursuit of the Greek Freak, but no formal trade request, at least publicly, has been made. Milwaukee's front office knows they still have a chance to keep its superstar rather than trade him.
It all depends on how the Bucks can pitch a strong offseason to their star player. General Manager Jon Horst has faced tough summers before, but he delivered on massive moves that led to contract extensions for Giannis twice. Can he do it a third time? His back is certainly against the wall based on all of the trade chatter, but that won't faze him.
Giannis' intentions are clear. It's time for the Milwaukee Bucks to act accordingly.
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