Giannis Antetokounmpo casts doubt on Bucks’ desire to keep him

Many thought that Giannis Antetokounmpo would be shipped by the Milwaukee Bucks at the trade deadline. But the Bucks decided to keep him, hoping that they would go on a late surge after the midseason break and squeeze into the playoffs.

Throughout the season, there were rumors that the Bucks would finally part ways with Antetokounmpo, who delivered the team its first title after a 50-year drought. The Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Miami Heat, and the San Antonio Spurs were among the teams heavily linked to the do-it-all forward.

The Bucks, however, stayed pat. But due to injuries, Antetokounmpo only played a career-low 36 games, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Milwaukee finished with a 32-50 record.

In a report from The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, the 31-year-old star acknowledged the harsh reality of their awful campaign.

“We were very bad. We are the furthest away that we’ve been in the last couple of years. How many wins did we have, 32? This is the second-lowest wins I’ve ever (had), right? The first was 15 (during the 2013-2014 season). So yeah, we’re the furthest away that we’ve been, I think. We’ll see. This is what we have in front of us,” said Antetokounmpo.

He also expressed uncertainty about whether he would still be with the Bucks next season.

“I didn’t think we were going to be in this position last year, so I don’t know what position we’re going to be next year. If everything goes well, hopefully, if the Bucks want me here, why not? But if they don’t, okay,” added the former Finals MVP.

Antetokounmpo has given mixed signals regarding his future with the Bucks. He has stated that he wants to stay in Milwaukee, but he has also said it is time to move on.

A report from ESPN’s Shams Charania claimed that trading Antetokounmpo has become “inevitable” for the Bucks in the offseason, as the front office is ready to listen to offers anew.

The Bucks, who dropped their season finale against the Philadelphia 76ers, 126-106, on Sunday, will miss the playoffs after nine straight appearances.

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