Reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo quelled rumors that he might request a trade from the Bucks following Milwaukee’s early playoff exit.
Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo quickly put trade rumors to bed after the team’s playoff exit, telling reporters that he is committed to building a championship culture in Milwaukee and will not request a trade this offseason, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
While the reigning MVP did not disclose whether or not he plans to sign his supermax extension, Bucks fans can at least breathe easy, for the time being, knowing that their homegrown star is committed to the team.
Nonetheless, the five-game series loss to the Miami Heat is a massive disappointment for a Milwaukee team expected to come out of the East, even when considering Antetokounmpo’s injury. The Bucks simply dug too deep a hole in the first three games, blowing fourth-quarter leads in each.
Rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future aren’t going anywhere
Per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the 25-year-old superstar offered some comments that have to comfort dejected Milwaukee fans who have been hearing the rumors for years.
While the biggest piece appears to be remaining in place next year, this offseason is sure to be a turbulent one in Milwaukee.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer likely landed himself on the hot seat after stubbornly sticking to his regular-season rotation in the playoffs, a move which limited the playing time of Antetokounmpo and All-Star running mate Khris Middleton and squashed any momentum the team could build.
Point guard Eric Bledsoe, meanwhile, often caused the offense to stagnate throughout the series, taking inopportune shots rather than focusing on getting into the paint and distributing the ball. With Chris Paul potentially on the trade block as the Thunder look to continue their youth movement, Bledsoe could serve as trade capital as the Bucks look to upgrade the supporting cast.
While a decision on a supermax extension still awaits Antetokounmpo, the pressure is on Milwaukee to prove that it is fully committed to winning a championship. Letting Malcolm Brogdon walk last offseason to skirt the luxury tax remains a crippling mistake, and standing pat in free agency again could lead the Greek Freak to explore greener pastures.