The Milwaukee Bucks lost Game Five of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers 119-118 in one of the most frustrating collapses in Wisconsin sports history. Up seven points with 40 seconds remaining, Milwaukee committed several turnovers and allowed Indiana to score eight unanswered points, including the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds remaining.
Of course, the epic collapse was also a disappointing metaphor for what had been a tumultuous season for Milwaukee. A year with such promise turned into an ongoing struggle. The Bucks started the year 2-8, a stretch that included a six-game losing streak, and continued to play inconsistent basketball for the entirety of the season.
That is, they were inconsistent as a team. As has been the case for years, one player on the team was consistent amidst all the ups and downs: two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Had a Stellar Season and Postseason
While Giannis finished as a finalist for the NBA MVP Award this season, he has not been considered to be the one deserving to win it by most of the media. This, objectively, is shocking given the historic nature of his season.
In 2024-25, the Greek Freak averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. He also shot 60.1% from the field. This marked just the second season in NBA history in which a player averaged 30 or more points per game while shooting 60% or better from the floor.
The first time it happened was when Giannis did it during the 2023-24 season.
As has been the case for many years now, there are rumblings that the nine-time All-Star, who has spent his entire career in Milwaukee since being drafted by them in 2013, will demand a trade since the Bucks failed to win another title this year.
And he is a hot name in trade rumors, of course, because of how dominant he is. But, unfortunately for the rest of the league, Giannis has already addressed these rumors.
They just are choosing not to listen.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Not Ask the Milwaukee Bucks to Trade Him
Everyone knows that Giannis has said, on many occasions, that it is his desire to spend his entire career with the Bucks. Similarly, everyone knows that minds can change, as well as circumstances.
But when it comes to this, to loyalty, to the character of Giannis, there is no change. Earlier this season, he told European reporters, “If I get a text from my GM, I will share the news with my family and I’ll do my job. I’m getting paid good money to do this job. I would go anywhere I feel they need me.
“I’m not a guy who’s going to ask for a trade. They would have to kick me out.”
Giannis is under contract for two more NBA seasons, and has a player option worth an estimated $62 million for a third year. These are the seasons for the extension that he signed with the Bucks prior to last year.
In other words, he literally just recommitted to Milwaukee.
Now, if the team does not compete for a title again within the next two years, it is possible that Giannis could leave in free agency by declining his player option.
But demanding a trade?
It’s not happening.
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- “It’s Not Going to Take a Lot;” 1 NBA Analyst Certain Giannis Will Return to Milwaukee in 2025-26
- “Agents Have Complained About Him;” NBA Insider Drops Major Truth Bomb on Bucks’ Arch Rival
- Tyrese Haliburton Addresses Postgame Interaction Between Father and Giannis
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