Amid escalating rumors about his future, Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo playfully touched on his mindset, fueling speculation that he’s trolling the NBA world.
Following the Bucks’ third straight first-round playoff exit, discussions about Antetokounmpo potentially requesting a trade began picking up. On May 12, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the two-time MVP “is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere.”
Antetokounmpo, who has spent his entire 12-year career with the Bucks, is reportedly set to meet with the franchise this week to discuss its direction. In the meantime, trade chatter is running rampant, with “The Greek Freak” seemingly relishing the spotlight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Cheeky Response to Trade Rumors
On Monday, a clip of Antetokounmpo’s ex-Bucks teammate Patrick Beverley opposing the notion that the nine-time All-Star could ask out of Milwaukee made the rounds on X. Beverley questioned the validity of reports speculating on Antetokounmpo’s future, citing his affinity for privacy and lighthearted nature.
“Giannis don’t talk to nobody from the media besides his brother,” Beverley said on “The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone.” “… Giannis, he’s a troll. The two biggest trolls I know is him and [Joel] Embiid. They might get in front of a camera and say some corny, funny-a*s sh*t, but they are unbelievably trolls.”
Greek is trolling the internet!!! pic.twitter.com/lTfiOPPRfW
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod)
Antetokounmpo promptly responded by quipping that he embraces trolling, seemingly hinting that he could stay with the Bucks.
“Life is more fun that way,” Antetokounmpo wrote, followed by a laughing emoji.
Life is more fun that way 😂 https://t.co/VPOlPk3Y0q
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34)
Bucks Optimistic About Retaining Antetokounmpo
While the rumor mill continues churning, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, Milwaukee “remains hopeful” that Antetokounmpo will stay committed to the only organization he’s ever known.
However, Stein noted that rival teams are skeptical that the 2021 NBA champion will stick with the Bucks’ aging, injury-plagued core given their lack of trade assets.
“Anticipation around the league regarding Antetokounmpo’s availability via trade, meanwhile, continues to bubble based on the belief that it is only a matter of time before the 30-year-old finally concedes that a contender can no longer be built around him in Brewtown and that what Milwaukee is feeling is false hope,” Stein wrote.
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Antetokounmpo is coming off another dominant campaign. Across 67 outings, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 60.1%. However, he will turn 31 early next season and is expected to be without his co-star Damian Lillard (Achilles) for most, if not all, of the campaign. Thus, if he sticks around, Antetokounmpo could be in store for another tough year.
