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Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade “Not Happening”

By Paul Bretl

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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In the coming months, many are going to be speculating about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks. But he says a trade demand is “not happening.”

After cruising through the regular-season prior to the NBA stopping play amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Milwaukee Bucks were never able to regain that form in the bubble.

During the first eight games, Milwaukee finished 3-5, but with the one seed all but wrapped up, many chalked up those sluggish performances to the fact that they didn’t have to win those games and that they were getting ready for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, that proverbial switch was never flipped on.

The Bucks would knock off the Orlando Magic in five games, but it certainly never seemed that easy. In Round 2, they then ran into that pesky Miami Heat defense, and as of Tuesday night, their season came to an end.

For Bucks fans and the organization, it’s going to be a long offseason. Not only because this is a team with championship aspirations that lost in the second round, but also because of the noise that will surround Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee.

This offseason, Giannis can sign the super-max contract to stay with the Bucks, and that would put to rest these conversations. But even if he doesn’t, what many seem to forget or choose to ignore, is that Giannis still has one year left on his current deal.

So while fans and national pundits fire up their trade machines trying to find a way to bring Giannis to their favorite team, the Greek Freak quickly shut down any notion that he would be demanding a trade last night (via Chris Haynes at Yahoo):

"“It’s not happening. That’s not happening.” Giannis would go on to add, “some see a wall and go in [another direction]. I plow through it. We just have to get better as a team, individually and get right back at it next season.”"

For those who follow the Milwaukee Bucks, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. On numerous occasions, Giannis has discussed how much he loves being apart of this organization and how badly he wants to win a title here. And while this season ended in disappointment, that ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship is still within reach for Giannis and this Bucks team.

Now, I could play devil’s advocate here and ask, what was Giannis supposed to say to that question? Well, he certainly didn’t have to be as direct as he was, and given his past, there’s no reason not to believe him.

This upcoming offseason could very well be the most important offseason in Milwaukee Bucks’ history. After watching the bench struggle, the team once again have their issues from deep, and of course, the questions surrounding the way Coach Mike Budenholzer handled this series, Bucks’ management will have some crucial roster and coaching decisions to make in the coming months.

However, when it comes to Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he always does, he’s going to continue working as he prepares for the 2020-2021 season with his Milwaukee Bucks:

"“If winning a championship was easy, everyone would have one. We lost. Everyone saw that we lost. It’s disappointing, but what are we going to do? We’re going to keep working. I’ve got confidence in my teammates.”"

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