Giannis Antetokounmpo Nears Bucks Exit Talks Amid Health and Team Changes

Giannis Antetokounmpo's offseason included exploratory trade talks between the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks, though Milwaukee never seriously considered trading their franchise cornerstone. Entering his 13th season with the Bucks under contract through 2028, Giannis recently faced a delayed start to training camp due to a COVID-19 setback, limiting him to non-contact practice but allowing the team to evaluate lineups without him. Despite his expressed desire for a distraction-free year focused solely on basketball, skepticism remains about the Bucks' championship viability, especially after early playoff exits and ongoing trade rumors. The Bucks made notable roster changes in the offseason, including waiving Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner, but some analysts question if these moves elevate them to true contender status. Giannis continues to apply pressure on the Bucks' front office to assemble a championship-caliber team, though he is not currently rushing to leave Milwaukee. His future remains a closely watched topic within the NBA amid speculation about potential free agency after his contract expires.