Will Giannis Antetokounmpo ever be traded? It is a question that has been running around ever since the ‘Greek Freak’ has been in the league. The question arises not because he is a bad player, but because he is among the best in the modern NBA. Such a player of his caliber should certainly be with a championship-contending team, right? While Giannis himself led the Bucks to a championship back in 2021, the team hasn’t been able to get back their dominant side since then. Furthermore, other teams might be positioning themselves in a way to secure the player when the opportunity comes. After all, it has happened before.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently released another episode of his ‘Hoop Collective’ podcast. With NBA journalists Tim McMahon and Tim Bontemps joining as co-hosts, the trio discussed—among others, the upcoming Milwaukee Bucks-Indiana Pacers matchup series in the playoffs. This led Brian Windhorst to once again bring up the question of whether the Giannis’ trade might happen. After all, the odds are against the Bucks at the moment, with Damian Lillard sidelined due to a blood clot issue. This gives Déjà vu vibes, as the Bucks, ironically, lost to the Pacers in the 1st round of last year’s playoffs after they had to play without Giannis. This led Tim McMahon to go back in time to 2018 and reveal how the pressure to cut ties with Giannis has been haunting the Bucks for a long time.

“The draft that the Mavericks had Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, and the last pick of that draft, Kostas Antetokounmpo, because they were trying to position themselves to when Giannis was going to shake free” said McMahon. “They were trying to position themselves to be in the Giannis derby. So that’s how far back this annual ‘what about Giannis, what about Giannis’ conversation goes. At some point, especially this year, if they’re bouncing the first round, does it finally happen? I don’t know, but that’s the kind of pressure the Bucks are feeling, um, you know. And again, if they’re bouncing the first round again, I don’t know what the changes will be, but I do believe there will be significant changes in Milwaukee”.

Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, and Kostas Antetokounmpo were all drafted 5 years after Giannis joined the majors. By then, he had become a 2x NBA All-Star, was named to the All-NBA Second Team 2x, had earned the Most Improved Player award, and had several other accolades. He had made his mark, and other teams, like the Dallas Mavericks, had their sights on him.

Despite not being reported widely, Tim McMahon’s remarks indicate that the Mavs’ 2018 draft picks were bait. To be used, either some or all, for a trade deal for the ‘Greek Freak’. However, the Bucks never made Giannis available. In a way, it was a good thing, since Luka Doncic eventually emerged as the face of the Mavericks. The Slovenian, along with Kyrie Irving, was able to lead the team to the NBA Finals last year, for the first time since 2011. Sure, the Mavericks ended up trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, but we don’t talk about that. All we do is let others continue chanting, ‘Fire Nico.’

Reportedly, back in February, Gery Woelfel of Woelfel’s Press Box revealed that the Mavericks had approached two teams about trading Luka Doncic. One, of course, were the Lakers. And the other? The Milwaukee Bucks. Of course, their target of acquisition was Giannis. In his report, Woelfel highlighted that Antetokounmpo has a strong rapport with Mavs coach Jason Kidd and his right-hand man, Sean Sweeney. Whether this bond was used in the negotiation or not, the Bucks reportedly made it clear to the Mavericks that “they wouldn’t trade Antetokounmpo even though his future with the team is murky”. Therefore, that was the end of that discussion.

While the Dallas Mavericks may be out of the race, that does not stop the other teams from trying. One of them is going the extra mile to prioritize the ‘Greek Freak’ for themselves.

Will the Brooklyn Nets acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo?

According to a recent report by New York Post journalist Brian Lewis, “Multiple league personnel that have spoken with The Post say Giannis Antetokounmpo has been and remains Plan A for the Nets.” Lewis further reveals that, in case Giannis Antetokounmpo is traded to another team, GM Sean Marks will simply tank for another year and build through the lottery. Either way, the Nets will be after Giannis as if they are the MCU and he is Hugh Jackman. The question is: Can they entice him?

As per NBC Sports, league sources have revealed that the Bucks will not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo “unless he demands it”. After all, why would the Milwaukee Bucks want to trade their star player? That would only make their bad condition worse. No one wants to take a page out of Mavs’ Luka Doncic trade book. And apparently, Giannis has not requested a trade. Furthermore, if that was the case, then he would not have signed a contract extension with the Bucks a year ago with a pay of $186 million over 3 years.

Therefore, for now, Giannis is not going anywhere. However, if the Bucks lose in this playoffs too, the star would be inclined to change his mind. After all, in the recent episode of his elder brother’s podcast, Giannis said, “So yeah, I’m trying to, I’m trying to win a second ring, man. I really believe, I’ll say this, here is one of my goals”. It is obvious that his goal is clear. And if changing the team is the only option left, then can anyone stop him? Only time will tell what course of action the ‘Greek Freak’ will take.