An update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure from the Milwaukee Bucks has been given after a series of “audacious” offseason moves.
The two-time NBA MVP’s future has been a topic of discussion for many months after the Bucks’ first-round playoff exit, as rumours circulate that Antetokounmpo could be looking for a way out.
Milwaukee then proceeded to waive all-star guard Damian Lillard after he tore his Achilles in the playoffs, let center Brook Lopez leave for the LA Clippers before making the blockbuster signing of NBA Finalist Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers.
All eyes then turned to Antetokounmpo for his reaction to the moves.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘looking for reasons to stay’ in Milwaukee
Antetokounmpo, who was drafted by the Bucks in 2013, has been as loyal as any player in the NBA to his team. He won two MVPs and a championship with the Bucks and has denied any interest in a trade publicly.
But the Bucks have been out of contention for a number of years now, and it was reported by ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania that privately, he was eyeing a move.
Brian Windhorst, on ESPN, thinks that instead, Giannis is looking for a reason to stay there.
He said on Giannis’ mindset, “I honestly believe Giannis is looking for reasons to stay in Milwaukee, and this is a big one today that he didn’t have yesterday.”
Windhorst continued, “This is an audacious and brazen move the likes of which the NBA has really never seen, in terms of strategy.
“To keep Giannis engaged and happy over the last seven years, the Bucks have traded away just about all of their draft picks, and they have used up all of their salary cap. To do this move, they basically borrowed from their 2028/29 salary cap.
“It is definitely a strong replacement for Brook Lopez, who they lost yesterday, because Myles Turner fits very well alongside Giannis. He can stretch the floor, he’s a slightly better rebounder than Lopez, he protects the rim, so it’s a very nice addition. But I’m not sure it’s a needle-mover.”
Turner was one of the top NBA free agents this offseason – a significant pick-up for the Bucks.
“I’m sure Giannis is excited, but I’m not sure that it changes their championship aspirations.
“I still think the Bucks are in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, just like they were in the middle of the pack last year.”
Antetokounmpo could be one of a number of all-time NBA greats to move this offseason after Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets, and LeBron James trade rumours circulate.
Giannis Antetokounmpo cryptically reacts to Milwaukee Bucks’ moves
Antetokounmpo has been quiet on Milwaukee’s offseason so far, but couldn’t help but chime in on the departure of Lopez.
The pair have been teammates since 2018, and Lopez played an integral role in the Bucks’ championship in 2021.
When journalist Dan Shafer posted on X, “Brook Lopez should have his jersey retired in Milwaukee”, Antetokounmpo reposted to say “1,000,000%”.
While the Bucks were making their moves, waiving the injured Lillard and letting Lopez leave, Antetokounmpo made a cryptic post on X. “Mood 💯” he said, above a picture captioned “I don’t know what’s going on right now, man.”
He is yet to comment on the Turner move, but if anything is to be taken from his social media, Antetokounmpo is confused to say the least on his team’s offseason dealings.