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Don't close the books yet on a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade: insider

Published 10 hours ago2 minute read

ESPN insider Shams Charania isn’t closing the door on a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

During an appearance on “Get Up” on Thursday, Charania said the two-time NBA MVP is still evaluating the Bucks’ offseason and thinking about his future in Milwaukee.

“A lot of observing,” Charania said of Antetokounmpo. “He’s been there for 12 years, so there’s going to be that equity given to the Bucks to see what they do during the draft week, free agency week. How much can they improve this team in their moves?

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“He said it, he wants to compete for championships. Can the Bucks make those championship moves? His future, I’ve said it for the last few weeks, it won’t be tied to the draft, it won’t be tied to free agency. If there is a resolution on Giannis Antetokounmpo, it could be later in the summer.”

Antetokounmpo’s name has been in the rumor mill since the Bucks were ousted in the first round for the third straight season. 

In mid-May, Charania reported that Antetokounmpo was “open-minded” about leaving Milwaukee

Earlier this month, Charania’s colleague Brian Windhorst threw cold water on a potential Antetokounmpo deal, saying, “Right now, there is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market, there is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussions. He has not asked for it. The Bucks are not looking to trade him.” 

Milwaukee has won just one playoff series since winning the NBA title in 2021, leading many to speculate that Antetokounmpo could leave for greener pastures as he enters his 30s. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks guarded by an Indiana Pacers player during an NBA playoff game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is guarded by Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers. NBAE via Getty Images

The Bucks will likely be without Antetokounmpo’s All-Star sidekick Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles during the first round against the Pacers, for most — if not all — of the season.

The Knicks, Nets, Warriors, Heat and Spurs, among other teams, have been rumored to have interest in the nine-time All-Star. 

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