NBA teams reportedly expect that there will be a “divorce” between the Milwaukee Bucks and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Wednesday’s edition of NBA Countdown.
“It’s almost like a couple that everybody in the league thinks is going to get divorced. They don’t know if they are going to get divorced by Easter or if they are going to get divorced by July 4, but in the league, the teams do believe this is gonna be a divorce.
“I know what Giannis is on the record as saying. I know what Doc is on the record as saying. The Bucks to my knowledge are still not taking phone calls on Giannis, they’re only making outgoing calls. Having said that, I can just tell you that teams are poised thinking this could end up being a separation at some point.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Dec. 3 that the two-time NBA MVP and his agent, Alex Saratsis, “are having conversations” with the Bucks about his future and “whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere.”
At the time, Charania reported that “a resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks.”
It’s not hard to see why Antetokounmpo would be in demand, as the nine-time All-NBA player and five-time All-NBA Defensive team member continues to be one of the most productive players in the league.
The 31-year-old is averaging 28.5 points on 64.5 percent shooting, 9.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists in his 13th NBA season.
Antetokounmpo has been fantastic, but the Bucks have struggled mightily, going 18-24 thus far. That places Milwaukee 11th in the Eastern Conference.
He’s been very clear about his desire to compete for a championship, as said in late September (h/t ESPN’s Jamal Collier).
“The same thing I’ve been saying my whole career, I want to be in a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship,” Antetokounmpo said. “I think it’s a disservice to basketball, just to the game, to not want it to compete in a high level, to want your season to end in April.”
The Bucks once gave Antetokounmpo the best chance to win a championship, and he did in 2021 with Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday by his side. However, the Bucks as currently constructed are struggling just to be in contention for the play-in tournament.
Windhorst’s report certainly raises eyebrows as the Bucks continue to struggle and the trade deadline approaches. In the meantime, Milwaukee continues its fight to get back to .500 on Wednesday when it hosts the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.
