ESPN insider Shams Charania revealed today a chilling update on the future of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, revealing that trade talks took place between the front office and the New York Knicks this summer. It's clear that if the Bucks don't put together a run this season, it may be Antetokounmpo's last in Milwaukee.
Charania said, "Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: the New York Knicks, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN."
Bucks must avoid another early playoff exit
Every offseason, there has been discussion around the future of Giannis and whether he will remain in Wisconsin. The message from the Greek Freak and his camp has also been clear every offseason: he wants to win and win in Milwaukee. After three straight first-round exits, rumors continued to be rife with Charania constantly beating the drum of Giannis' future in the NBA.
Avoiding another early playoff exit is a must, and Giannis himself has declared that he wants to get through to the second round and go from there. Should the Bucks fail to make any sort of run this postseason, then it could seal Giannis' fate with Milwaukee.
Per the ESPN insider, Milwaukee's front office picked up the call from New York and "the sides engaged in conversations for a window of time in August." Jon Horst and co. told the Knicks they weren't interested and that they didn't make a strong enough offer, which likely would have been centered around Karl-Anthony Towns and other key pieces, as the Knicks are similar to the Bucks in lacking draft capital.
Now, the Bucks picking up the phone may be out of courtesy and respect, but both sides even engaging in talks is a worry and perhaps a sign that the front office knows they are in a tough spot, should Giannis want out.
Monday night's preseason win over the Miami Heat showed a glimpse of the Bucks' supporting cast that will surround Giannis. It is full of complementary pieces and will allow Giannis to play a point forward role, but we won't know if it is enough for a playoff run until the season really ramps up.
Charania states that this is the first offseason that Giannis has explored the idea of external options. However, he has been very complimentary of the Bucks roster during media day and all offseason has declared his love for Milwaukee.
All of this has stemmed from a conversation in August. Thankfully, now well into October and the NBA season just around the corner, clearly nothing has moved. Giannis is here, his family is here, Thanasis re-signed, and he has been enjoying working out with his new frontcourt partner in Myles Turner.
This topic won't fade away this season, unless Giannis signs an extension to remain with the Bucks. It is a spine-chilling update around his future, but for now, Giannis is still a Buck.