For years, the Toronto Raptors have been regarded as a prominent suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo due to mutual respect between him and Vice Chairman and President Masai Ujiri. Fans, analysts, and talking heads alike have been pushing this rumor, but it looks like it won't be happening after all, as ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Ujiri is parting ways with the Raptors, ending his long tenure with the franchise that included many years of Giannis Antetokounmpo interest.
The Raptors' pursuit of Giannis has always been a pipe dream
While everyone had been pushing Giannis to Toronto, Milwaukee Bucks fans knew that the forward has always wanted to stay put. He could very well have all the respect in the world for Masai Ujiri, but he's not in Milwaukee. No matter how many times Ujiri called or how many times analysts said Giannis might want out, nothing ever even got close to moving beyond just the rumor stage.
Given Giannis Antetokounmpo's well-documented loyalty, it was always very unlikely a trade would happen, and it's even more far-fetched now that Ujiri is out the door. Good riddance.
Had Ujiri stayed, it likely wouldn't have mattered this year. While analysts continue doing their best to push narratives about Giannis potentially leaving, he appears firmly locked in with the Bucks. Recent posts indicate he's currently training in Greece with a handful of the young prospects and former Buck, his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo.
Coach Doc Rivers has been as vocal as one could be about Giannis' future in Milwaukee, making it clear just how much the Greek Freak wants to win with the Bucks. Despite this, the narratives simply won't come to an end. There will probably be another rumor that Giannis has an affinity for whoever the Raptors bring in next to run the show to keep this long-standing tradition alive and well.
As always, the Milwaukee Bucks won't buy into the chatter. With the 2025 NBA Draft now over, they will turn their focus to NBA Free Agency and trades. The roster is far from filled out, and they will likely work closely with none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo to put together an ideal contender for next season.
It's always been unlikely that Giannis would leave the Milwaukee Bucks as long as they are willing to compete for a title every single year, and they won't change up their philosophy now.
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