Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’ll never ask for trade, plans to be with Bucks for career: ‘Not in my nature’

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was subject to intense trade rumors over the offseason. With the Bucks seemingly in rebuilding mode, it was thought the team would entertain the idea of trading away their superstar in exchange for draft picks. And if the team was reluctant to do that, there were some who thought Antetokounmpo would force the issue.

But Antetokounmpo put that narrative to bed Wednesday, telling The Athletic that he would never request a trade from the Bucks.

“There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment, that I will come out and say ‘I want a trade,’” Antetokounmpo, who can opt out of his contract in the summer of 2027, told The Athletic. “That’s not … in … my … nature. OK?”

The fact that Antetokounmpo was willing to make that statement now carries some extra weight. With the Bucks sitting at 16-21, and the trade deadline less than a month away, it doesn’t appear Antetokounmpo is willing to give up on the franchise just yet.

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While things haven’t gone well for the Bucks this season, the team has played 14 games without Antetokounmpo due to injuries. With the superstar back and healthy, Milwaukee could go on a run. Following Wednesday’s 120-113 loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Bucks are 4-2 since Antetokounmpo’s return.

Antetokounmpo’s statement, however, doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to stay with the Bucks his entire career. The franchise could still trade Antetokounmpo if it feels he’ll bring back a desirable package of draft picks and promising, young players.

There’s also the issue of Antetokounmpo’s contract. The 31-year-old can sign a four-year, $275 million extension in October, and while he’s said he wants to stay with the Bucks his entire career, that represents a possible choke point where things could fall apart.

Shortly after joining the Bucks in 2013, Antetokounmpo developed into one of the best players in the NBA. Since the 2016-17 NBA season, he’s averaged 28.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. He’s won numerous awards, including Most Improved Player, MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. He’s been…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/giannis-antetokounmpo-says-hell-never-ask-for-trade-plans-to-be-with-bucks-for-career-not-in-my-nature-150311915.html

Author : Chris Cwik

Publish date : 2026-01-08 15:03:00

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