Insider provides (obvious) update on foolish Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors

Over the years, when the Milwaukee Bucks endure a rough patch, the media drums up the narrative that Giannis Antetokounmpo could force his way out to a new team.

Time and time again, Antetokounmpo has shown that he will not do that, and he's always said that as long as the Bucks are committed to winning, he's committed to them. Yet, with the Bucks starting the season off on the wrong foot, losing seven of their first nine games, the consistently debunked rumors from the media once again started making the rounds.

Thankfully, they were very quickly put to bed by multiple outlets.

Insider delivers specifics on foolish Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors

Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein echoed the statement that the Bucks and Antetokounmpo will be continuing their decade-long partnership on his Substack, adding:

"Nothing is gonna happen here unless Giannis pushes for it. And there is zero indication he is anywhere close to that point.

Any such list [of trade destinations] is based on whispers from around the league about destinations Giannis would be presumed to favor. No one can or should be described as a likely destination today."

Stein's input confirms what Milwaukee Bucks fans have known for years: Any rumors about Giannis wanting out of Milwaukee are driven by media members or other teams simply hoping he asks out so that they will have a chance to make a run at him. Teams like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks have all been floating around lately. They are simply hoping.

Those who know Giannis are not shocked by this. He has never been one to run from the struggle, aiming to break through the wall rather than find a different route. Furthermore, while all of the moves haven't worked out over the years, there is no denying that the Milwaukee Bucks have gone all in to try and maximize Antetokounmpo's window in Milwaukee (The Damian Lillard trade, for example).

With these rumors squashed, the primary narrative surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks now revolves around them turning things around. With superstars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the charge, along with some strong rising role players, the Bucks have what it takes to get back on the right track amid this struggle-filled start.

The rumor that people should be paying attention to out of Milwaukee is that the Bucks are looking around the league for help on the trade market, and no, that will not involve trading away Giannis or Lillard. An early season trade could give the Bucks a needed spark and help them put this ugly start behind them for good. Unlike these Giannis rumors, this will be worth paying attention to.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.