Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo shuts down Nets’ trade request fantasy

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t giving Nets fans much hope when it comes to him landing in Brooklyn someday.

In an interview on Cosmote TV, the former Finals MVP publicly ruled out the chance he would ever request a trade from Milwaukee. His remarks come just weeks removed from a trade deadline that featured a bitter, played-out Jimmy Butler saga and dark-alley Luka Doncic deal that touched two different ends of the NBA superstar spectrum.

“The NBA is business,” Antetokounmpo said. “If I got traded, I would do my job, but I don’t think I would ever text [and ask for a trade]. I am not this kind of guy. They would have to kick me out.”

Just over a month ago, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that rival teams believe the Brooklyn Nets have been positioning themselves to chase Antetokounmpo if he were to ever request a trade. Nothing would lead you to believe Milwaukee is interested in entertaining offers without that request, but people do things you can't comprehend every day. 

For the Nets, you never give up hope.

Believe it or not?

Also, with all respect to the nine-time All-Star, it wouldn’t be the first time someone claimed they’d never ask for a trade, never leave without getting kicked out — then ended up in another city, time zone and/or uniform on their own terms. While it’s accurate to state there’s zero expectation for movement on any Antetokounmpo trade front, it’s also fair to assume he plays in another jersey one day… even if it takes him somehow getting bounced.

Envisioning a Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan-esque journey with one franchise is hard with any athlete, even the incomparable Greek Freak. Not to say it’s impossible these days, though only the loyalty of an unprecedented dynasty has yielded something close this new era (so far).

Antetokounmpo’s currently under contract with the Bucks through his 15th season (2027-28), set to make nearly $63 million on a player option that year alone. Remember, only nine players in NBA history have spent careers of 16 or more seasons with the same organization. 

NBA players who spent their entire career with one franchise (16 seasons or more)

• Dirk Nowitzki — Dallas Mavericks (1998-2019)

• Kobe Bryant — Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2016)

• Udonis Haslem — Miami Heat (2003-2023)

• Tim Duncan — San Antonio Spurs (1997-2016)

• John Stockton — Utah Jazz (1984-2005)

• Reggie Miller — Indiana Pacers (1987-2005)

• Manu Ginobili — San Antonio Spurs (2002-2018)

• John Havlicek — Boston Celtics (1962-1978)

• Stephen Curry — Golden State Warriors (2009-present)

The closest active players to becoming No. 10 on this legendary list: Antetokounmpo (Bucks, 12 seasons) and Draymond Green (Warriors, 13 seasons).