Insider Brian Windhorst reported on ESPN Cleveland that Giannis Antetokounmpo requested a trade to the New York Knicks this summer. That much was not reported when Shams Charania, who works for the same network, said that if Giannis wanted to play outside of Milwaukee, the only team he had an interest in was the Knicks. That sounds like a player flirting with the idea.
If Giannis full-out requested a trade, that's a much different story, and one that could change the course of this franchise for the foreseeable future.
Giannis trade rumors are far from finished
Obviously, whether Giannis requested a trade or not, he returned to the Milwaukee Bucks for another go-round. Regardless, there were conversations with the Knicks this summer, though Charania added that a deal never gained traction because New York didn't make a strong enough offer. That feels like two teams testing the waters. Not a full-blown trade request like what is being reported now.
If he requested out once, nothing will stop him from doing it again, especially with how poorly the Milwaukee Bucks have been playing lately.
Coming off a frustrating loss to the Washington Wizards, in which the Bucks blew a double-digit lead, things are looking grim. Milwaukee is 9-13. Doc Rivers keeps talking about adjustments, but none are happening. Despite spending the offseason getting younger and more athletic, opposing teams are still dominating the Bucks in both areas. The team has plenty of issues.
It feels like the Milwaukee Bucks have less than two weeks to prove themselves to Giannis. Once the trade floodgates open on December 15, when a good chunk of players league-wide become eligible, teams are going to call the Bucks like there's no tomorrow. If the Bucks can't get themselves out of this current slump, nothing is stopping Giannis from seeking greener pastures.
Clearly, not all hope is lost yet. Things are grim, perhaps more so than ever before, but Giannis came back to Milwaukee for a reason. He must have some hope that they can turn this ship around after so many shortcomings in recent years. Now, it's time to prove they can. Whether it comes from finally parting ways with the coach or making a trade to beef up the roster, something must be done.
The next few weeks will certainly be interesting. Can the Bucks right the ship, or are they destined to make a move that will change the NBA as we know it? Time will tell.
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