League sources have told ESPN they believe Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to put substantial pressure on the Milwaukee Bucks to force a trade as the franchise struggles through a disappointing season. The two-time MVP values his standing in Milwaukee and does not want to alienate the fan base by requesting to leave, a league source reiterated to ESPN.
When asked about his future, Antetokounmpo has repeatedly confirmed his commitment to the Bucks. However, he has also repeatedly left himself an out, giving himself the opportunity to change his mind and alter the Bucks’ future with it.
The 31-year-old superstar has been publicly and privately emphasizing the need for urgency. Since Antetokounmpo returned from injury on December 27, the Bucks are 5-5, currently mired in a three-game losing streak and stuck in 11th place in the Eastern Conference at 17-24.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in December that if the Bucks continue to slide, discussions between Antetokounmpo’s representation and the franchise could escalate. The external noise has continued to grow around the league, with teams wondering how far the Bucks have to fall before they reach a breaking point.
“Maybe my voice is just a broken record and guys are tired [of hearing it],” Antetokounmpo said after a recent loss. “Guys might tend to do what they want to do. I don’t know, but as a leader, it doesn’t matter.”
The disconnect between the best player in franchise history and the only team he has known has become increasingly obvious. Antetokounmpo booed his home fans back after converting an and-1 during a 33-point loss to Minnesota, taking personally the jeers directed at his team as they walked off the floor trailing 76-45 at halftime.