Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has publicly addressed the intense speculation surrounding his future with the franchise, stating his primary focus is on recovering from injury and turning around the team's struggling season.
Focus on Fitness Amid Persistent Speculation
In his first comments since an ESPN report on 3 December indicated his agent was in talks with Bucks officials, Antetokounmpo emphasised his immediate priorities. The two-time MVP is currently sidelined with a right calf strain sustained during a win over the Detroit Pistons on the same day that report emerged.
"At the end of the day, I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks," Antetokounmpo stated during a 24-minute media session. "I'm still locked in, locked in on my teammates. Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy."
He acknowledged that conversations between his agent, Alex Saratsis, and team executives are part of the business, but stressed they are beyond his direct control. The nine-time All-NBA forward, who turned 31 on 6 December, suggested his recent calf issue may have resulted from returning too quickly from a left adductor strain last month.
Bucks' Struggles Amplify Rumour Mill
The rumours about a potential Antetokounmpo trade have escalated alongside a difficult period for the Bucks. Their record fell to 11-17 after a 111-105 loss to the Toronto Raptors, including a stark 2-9 record in games without their franchise player.
Antetokounmpo admitted the constant conjecture has been challenging. "This is the most I've ever been talked about in my career," he said, noting he sees reports linking him to teams like the Memphis Grizzlies or Detroit Pistons while at home with his family.
He confirmed having informal talks with teammates to offer reassurance, but dismissed the idea of a dramatic team meeting about his future. "I'm never going to have a meeting with my teammates and sit everybody down and talk about like, 'Hey guys, if we don't win I'm going to get out of here,'" he stated. "Like, come on. We're grown men."
Urgency Required to Salvage Season
The season is viewed as crucial for Milwaukee due to the uncertainty around their star's long-term commitment. ESPN previously reported that the Bucks and New York Knicks discussed a potential trade in August, though talks did not progress.
Antetokounmpo, who previously said he was "locked in" but acknowledged that could change, now understands the speculation won't cease. He said when "people see cracks, they see opportunity to get in through those cracks."
His immediate concern is injecting urgency into the team's campaign. "We've got to turn this around. We have time to turn this around," he urged. "At the end of the day we're fighting for our lives. Like, we've got to win a game. So, rumours won't help us win a game."
Concluding, the former champion reinforced where his attention lies: "We've just got to focus on basketball."
