The Milwaukee Bucks have been telling teams that Giannis Antetokounmpo is not available for trade, but things could be different come January. Per NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required) teams continue expressing a belief that the Bucks will field offers for their superstar in January. That's not a lot of time for the Bucks to prove Milwaukee is the best spot for him to keep playing.
Bucks are running out of time to prove themselves to Giannis
If the Bucks were winning games, none of this chatter would matter. There have been rumors about Giannis' future in Milwaukee for years. However, things are unlike how they've ever been before. The team is 11-16 following a 45-point loss to the struggling Brooklyn Nets. By the time Giannis comes back from his calf strain, there might not be a shot at contending.
Speaking of rumors, word has it that the Bucks will only field offers for Giannis if he requests it, which he hasn't yet. Obviously, he wants to stay and gut it out in Milwaukee. However, if the ship continues to sink, he might ultimately do what opposing teams have been begging for him to do for almost the last decade and seek a fresh start.
The Milwaukee Bucks can throw a wrench in Stein's reporting by showing signs of life before the new year. Understanding Jon Horst's motives over the years, it won't be surprising if the general manager goes out and makes a splash on the trade market to try and get this team back on track, showing his commitment to winning once more. The question is how big he wants to go with his next move.
It's worth noting that December 15, one day after this gut-punch of a loss, is when a good chunk of the league becomes trade eligible. Horst might not have to wait long to make his intentions clear.
Given that they just got blown off the floor by a lesser team, it just might not matter, but the Bucks do have a softer schedule for the rest of the month. There is a golden opportunity in front of them to win some games and show Giannis they can string together some victories. None of it will matter if they keep playing like they have in the grand scheme of things lately, though.
A trade or two and a coaching change could go a long way for this Milwaukee team. The clock to keep Giannis is ticking. The team has to act.
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