Bucks Execute Stunning Trade with Rivals for All-Star Top Starter
They say every joke contains a bit of truth.
When Sam Amick from The Athletic spoke with Giannis Antetokounmpo this week, the Bucks star made a lighthearted comment about the possibility of being traded if the 2024-25 season doesn’t go as planned. He jokingly asked a Bucks staff member if he felt secure in his job, referencing the team’s decision to fire Adrian Griffin after only 43 games last season, despite a strong 30-13 record at the time.
Bucks Execute Stunning Trade with Rivals for All-Star Top Starter
“If we don’t win this year, would you get fired?” Antetokounmpo inquired. “Do you think about it like, ‘(What) if this year doesn’t go well?’ Yeah, if we don’t win a championship, I might get traded. This is the reality we live in.”
His remarks suggest growing dissatisfaction within the Bucks organization. As a second-apron team, they’re projected to spend nearly $300 million in the 2024-25 season, including tax penalties. Being a small-market franchise, the Bucks need to justify that payroll with either a championship or a deep playoff run. However, few analysts see them as favorites over teams like the Celtics, Knicks, or even the 76ers for the Eastern Conference in the 2025 NBA Finals.
There’s speculation that the Bucks might consider a major overhaul if they face another early playoff exit like last year.
If there are signs of unrest with Doc Rivers and his team around the February 2025 trade deadline, the Warriors could seize the opportunity to pursue Antetokounmpo, while the Heat might look to acquire Damian Lillard.
Antetokounmpo’s “joke” may just be a cover for deeper issues.
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