The Milwaukee Bucks have had one of the most interesting summers this year. The Bucks prioritized keeping their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, happy. They added Cole Anthony, Gary Harris and Myles Turner. Milwaukee also re-signed Chris Livingston, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Ryan Rollins, Jericho Sims and Gary Trent Jr.
However, they have reportedly upset the Greek Freak when they waived his co-star, Damian Lillard. The star guard was expected to miss the entire season due to a torn Achilles tendon. To maximize the roster space, Milwaukee thought it was the best move to release the nine-time All-Star.
Even with the moves the Bucks made, there isn’t any assurance that Antetokounmpo will stay with the team. According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, there’s a chance that his name will catch a lot of attention at the trade deadline.
A Potential Trade With Antetokounmpo Could Be the Result of a Lackluster Supporting Cast
According to Hughes, Antetokounmpo’s potential trade could be the result of a lackluster supporting cast. Although he’s hinted that he’s interested in staying in Milwaukee, the organization has not made significant moves to give him enough help.
The Bucks have gradually dismantled the team since winning the championship in 2021. Trading Jrue Holiday in 2023 and executing a deal with the Washington Wizards to ship Khris Middleton.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status as a deadline trade candidate worth monitoring has nothing to do with his tendency to be non-committal. It’s all about the on-the-ground reality for his Milwaukee Bucks,” Hughes wrote.
“The two ideas are linked in that Giannis’ penchant for “probably” and twice-reported openness to looking at other situations owes to Milwaukee’s bare asset cupboard and status as non-contenders. But it’s the “non-contender” part that matters most.”
If the Bucks improve their roster as the season progresses, there could be little chance Antetokounmpo could be traded. Until then, there isn’t enough to convince that the Greek Freak will stay in Milwaukee.
Related: NBA Analyst Blasts Bucks’ Jon Horst For Roster Moves Following the 2021 Championship
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
