This story about Giannis Antetokounmpo, told by Fox Sports’ Danny Parkins, indicates that he might not be leaving the Milwaukee Bucks any time soon.
Trade rumours have been swirling around Antetokounmpo for a number of months, after the Bucks’ disappointing round one exit showed they are not close to competing for an NBA title any time soon.
Reports said that Antetokounmpo was unhappy with the Bucks and how they waived Damian Lillard. He also sent out cryptic posts on X after Milwaukee let Brook Lopez leave.
However, Antetokounmpo has a deep affection for the team that drafted him, and this story showcases his love for Milwaukee and his commitment to the city.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a Greek restaurant built in Milwaukee, says Danny Parkins
Parkins, speaking on the Colin Cowherd Podcast, recounted this remarkable story about Antetokounmpo from his time in Chicago.
Parkins said, “There’s something to Giannis loving Milwaukee, and Milwaukee loving Giannis.”
He then told the story, “Giannis, whenever he would play the Bulls, would go to Avli, a Greek restaurant owned by Lou Canellis, a local sports anchor in Chicago.
“Everyone was saying, ‘Giannis is going to leave Milwaukee and go to the Bulls, because he wants to have all the good Greek restaurants.’
“He was like, ‘No, I’m just going to open a good Greek restaurant in Milwaukee.’ He brought the Greek food to Milwaukee!”
It’s a silly story, but it does reflect the feeling that Antetokounmpo has for what has become his home over the last 12 years.
Everybody is looking at the reasons he should leave the Bucks, and there are many. The roster is bad, they have no flexibility for the future, and the best thing for the two-time MVP to do if he wants to be considered among the NBA’s all-time greats is to leave and win some titles.
But Antetokounmpo is looking desperately for reasons to stay, and become synonymous with the city.
Parkins added, “Steph Curry is the Warriors. It would be weird if he played somewhere else. Duncan was the Spurs. Kobe was the Lakers. I’m rooting for the purity of the 15th pick of the draft who delivers the title to the small market and is like, ‘I’m happy.’”
Milwaukee Bucks’ desperate offseason leads to costly mistakes
When you look at the situation through that lens, the Bucks’ offseason decisions begin to make some more sense. When you have a generational talent who loves your city, you’ll do anything to keep them.
Therefore, when rumblings begin that Antetokounmpo might leave you for dead, you can become a little short-sighted in your panic.
They traded their future to get Damian Lillard, hoping that would appease Antetokounmpo. He got injured, so they had to pivot and bring in Myles Turner.
It’s short-sighted and desperate, but emotionally, it makes sense. And it might be enough to keep Antetokounmpo in the building.