Giannis Tests Positive, Reaffirms Commitment to Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo tested positive for COVID-19, remained in Greece and missed the Bucks’ in-person media day, joining remotely while he waits for a negative test before traveling to Milwaukee. He said he’s “bummed” to miss Day 1, remains confident and focused on competing, and reiterated he wants to be on a team committed to winning a championship. Owner Wes Edens and team officials said Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to Milwaukee after offseason talks, though he acknowledged pondering his future following repeated early playoff exits. Milwaukee reshaped its roster this summer — waiving Damian Lillard (who suffered a ruptured left Achilles), moving on from Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton, using the stretch provision to create cap space to sign Myles Turner, and adding players including Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey. Analysts warn that if the new-look Bucks stumble early, renewed trade speculation around Antetokounmpo could arise, with mock trades already linking him to teams such as the New York Knicks.