As the NBA offseason approaches, hopes of a dramatic Giannis Antetokounmpo trade are beginning to fade out. Despite months of speculation, rival executives are increasingly doubtful that the two-time MVP will request a move away from Milwaukee this summer.
The speculations initially ramped up after Damian Lillard’s season-ending Achilles injury and the Bucks’ first-round playoff exit. Giannis was reportedly “open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere.” But since then there has been “Radio silence.” (via CBS Sports).
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report added fuel to the cooling speculation saying, “Around the combine two weeks ago, two and a half weeks ago, there was no shortage of optimism, of hope, of excitement from other teams that they were going to be able to potentially make an offer to get Giannis Antetokounmpo into their franchise, into their building. Of late, I’d say that that confidence has been replaced with skepticism. To a man, from talking to agents, team executives, whoever, there is not a lot of belief right now at this juncture… the expectation is that they’re going to believe it when they see it — that someone who has valued being the franchise face, that the central linchpin of the Bucks franchise, is going to want to play somewhere else.”
A league source told NBC Sports the organisation is in “wait and see” mode, echoing the broader uncertainty. Even if a trade were to materialise, the report notes that Giannis could restrict the process by giving the Bucks only one or two teams he’d be willing to join, potentially killing any bidding war before it begins.
Despite uncertainty, Giannis remains deeply tied to Milwaukee, personally and professionally. He’s stated before, “The Bucks would have to kick me out,” but in a 2023 New York Times interview, he also stressed his desire to compete for more championships.
For now, the league waits. But if trade talks ever reopen, it will be on Giannis’ terms and closer to the draft. Until then, belief in a blockbuster move continues to fade.
READ MORE: Brandin Podziemski Addresses Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors