After a frustrating start to the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo seemingly sent a message to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo deleted all Bucks-related posts on his social media accounts, including Instagram and X. He did keep photos from his 2021 NBA championship and 2024 NBA Cup wins.
Since Antetokounmpo was already linked to trade rumors over the summer, it would not be surprising if he requests a trade out of Milwaukee.
The New York Knicks showed interest in acquiring “The Greek Freak,” but the Bucks thought they didn’t make a strong offer, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania in October.
While Antetokounmpo denied his desire to play in New York, all the signs are pointing to a potential breakup with the Bucks.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN reported over the weekend that the two-time MVP was disappointed with the team’s mindset after losing their seventh consecutive game.
New Trade Idea Sends Giannis to Atlanta
On the recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, the NBA analyst was joined by special guest Max Kellerman. Simmons suggested the Atlanta Hawks as a potential destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Here is Simmon’s trade proposal:
Hawks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma
Bucks receive: Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, a 2026 first-round pick (via New Orleans Pelicans) and a 2028 first-round pick (via Utah Jazz or Cleveland Cavaliers)
Simmons explained that it would be a fantastic deal for the Hawks since they will still have some of their current core players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher. However, they would need a real point guard for the playoffs, rather than relying on Johnson and Antetokounmpo.
Kuzma was called the “tax” for the Hawks because he was needed to match the salaries. He’ll provide instant offense, which means he’s suited for a sixth man role.
On the other hand, the Bucks get a franchise player in Young, who should perform well with a player like Myles Turner. Porzingis was a salary filler, but the real prize will be the 2026 first-round pick from the Pelicans.
It could give the Bucks another franchise player from a very deep and talented draft class. But for a player like “The Greek Freak,” who is still in his prime, two first-round picks might not be enough to convince the Bucks to trade him.
Former NBA Star Sends Message to Antetokounmpo
After the Bucks suffered an embarrassing 129-126 loss to the Washington Wizards, former NBA player and three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams called out Giannis Antetokounmpo on Run It Back on FanDuel TV.
Williams wanted “The Greek Freak” to take part in accountability for what’s happening in Milwaukee.
“At some point there has to be accountability from your best player on the team, to your coach, to your management, and look in the mirror and say, how did we get to this position. I don’t like the feeling of it being a separation of accountability based on where the Milwaukee Bucks are,” Williams said, via NBA Analysis.
The current NBA analyst did concede that if Antetokounmpo wants out of Milwaukee, he has to ensure that his soon-to-be former franchise will get the best package possible.
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