Trade speculation has swirled around Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks for months now. Antetokounmpo has been less than clear about his desires. However, in a recent interview with The Athletic, Antetokounmpo made his intentions obvious.
“There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment, that I will come out and say ‘I want a trade,'” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic. “That’s not … in … my … nature. OK?”
It’s hard to be more direct than that. In addition, this comment from Antetokounmpo came after a Bucks loss at the Golden State Warriors. This wasn’t the Bucks superstar getting caught up in the moment after a victory.
Antetokounmpo added that he’s “locked in” with the Bucks. He also added that “My plan is to be here for the rest of my career.”
Doc Rivers has been consistent with his messaging that Antetokounmpo appears to him to want to remain with the Bucks.
“If you’re around the team every day, and you saw those reports, you would laugh,” Rivers told The Athletic. “He’s given no indication (that he wants out). That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t change his mind, or whatever. But Giannis loves being in Milwaukee. He loves playing for this team. If something happens someday, where he changes his mind, I’d actually be surprised. But that can happen.
“But it’s frustrating for me. Giannis, two or three times now, has said, ‘Guys, I’m here. I love it.’ ”
Antetokounmpo becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension with the Bucks on October 1st.