But some think the Bucks should do it anyway. SMDH
It’s the topic on the tongues of every national media wishcaster, trolling opposing fans, and even well-informed Bucks fans: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. We’re not going to wade into the shark-infested waters where everyone and their aunt is proposing trades that don’t even come close to being reasonable because the man has not requested a trade. And early indications after a third-straight first-round defeat are that he remains happy in Milwaukee.
But what do Bucks fans think? Well, it’s a minority of them who are predicting doom-and-gloom at the moment:
I agree with the majority. Giannis isn’t going to abandon Dame and the franchise after what happened, seeing as how he “deeply respects Lillard and was pleased with the progress they made as a duo this season.” While it would be his prerogative to request a trade, it would be antithetical to what he has said for years, including this season. Don’t be gaslit: when people tell Bucks fans it’s “wishful thinking” that Giannis will stay, it’s more accurately wishful thinking that he’ll leave.
The next answer, though, is pretty troublesome:
The fact that 45% of respondents think the Bucks should trade Giannis is frankly embarrassing. What kind of Bucks fan wants the team to do this and send the franchise back to the stone age? They have already lost lots of money paying for a contending roster around him, and imagine how much ticket, merchandise, and advertising revenues would tank without him. No package will equal the impact Giannis will have over the remainder of his contract—his three-year extension signed in October 2023 starts next season—and any draft choices they would get carry no guarantee of landing a new franchise player. As my predecessor Mitchell wrote yesterday, it is basketball malpractice to trade him unless he asks for it.
I get that people are emotional right now after a stinging defeat to a hated rival. But if you legitimately want the Bucks to trade Giannis right now, I question whether or not you’re actually a fan of the Bucks. Sadly, I think a lot of Bucks fans have been drinking the national media Kool-Aid in recent seasons, and the Trade Giannis propaganda has really started to seep into some fans’ minds this year. It’s incredible.
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