For the past few weeks, rumors have swirled about a potential trade involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 29-year-old has spent his entire career in Milwaukee up to this point. However, due to their slow start and the idea that their championship window may have closed, a trade involving Antetokounmpo seems likely. Teams like the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Miami Heat have all been linked to the one-time champion. However, despite Milwaukee’s disappointing 1-6 start, it does not appear that trading Antetokounmpo is likely. At least not yet.
In a recent segment on ESPN (YouTube link), former Nets executive Bobby Marks shed some light on a potential Antetokounmpo trade. Marks said that the Greek native “is not looking to be moved” and that a trade is not imminent.
“Any time a team like that is struggling, there’s certainly going to be questions about the future of Giannis. He is not looking to be moved. Milwaukee is not looking to move him. They’re looking to try to figure out kind of what went wrong with this roster to start the season here. So, I think we can put away the fictional Giannis trade proposals for right now. There’s no concern from that front.”
Latest Update On Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Looking Into the Milwaukee Bucks’ Slow Start
Through two weeks of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Bucks have just one win. On opening night, they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, who were without Paul George and Joel Embiid. Since then, they have lost six straight. It is not like the Bucks are fully healthy, however. They have missed Khris Middleton at the beginning of the season so far, and Antetokounmpo is currently dealing with a thigh injury. It is safe to assume the Bucks should flip the script once they get healthy. The problem for the Bucks, though, is that their shortcomings can be dated back to last season.
Just two seasons ago, the Bucks finished with a 58-24 record, the best in the league. That following offseason, they acquired guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Many expected the Bucks and Boston Celtics, who had a busy offseason of their own last summer, to compete for the top spot in the East. However, Milwaukee finished with an underwhelming 49-33 record, fired head coach Adrian Griffin despite his 30-13 record, earned the No. 3 seed, and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks remain one of the best teams in the NBA on paper. However, it is reaching the point to discuss whether their slow start is a fluke or a sign of something bigger.
The Last Word
Per Marks, it is unlikely the Bucks will trade Antetokounmpo any time soon. Furthermore, amidst the rumors, it is important to remember that Anetokounmpo’s contract extension has yet to kick in. The two-time MVP signed a three-year, $175.4 million extension that will run through the 2027-28 season. This does include a $62.8 million player option for the final year, however.
A potential Antetokoummpo trade is just talk at this point. But if the Bucks continue to underachieve, this may become an inevitable reality.
