close
close

“Teams circling Giannis Antetokounmpo amid Bucks' slow start.”

After a terrible start to the season in Milwaukee, the sharks are already in the water circling the team's superstar.

According to a report from CBS Sports, rival officials have happily watched the Bucks' 1-3 start and are already dreaming of Giannis Antetokounmpo wearing another team's jersey.

“The teams are in circles — and full of hope,” a Western Conference team executive told the outlet.


Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have had a difficult start to the season. USA TODAY Sports

Things haven't been quite as smooth for the Bucks, who are still three years away from their title in 2021.

The decision to hire Doc Rivers didn't pan out, as the team is just 20-26 since he was hired last year.

The signing of Damian Lillard last offseason had limited success.

A team executive told CBS Sports that they “wouldn't be surprised” if something happened by the trade deadline, and an Eastern Conference executive said he includes “Miami and New York – the Nets, not the Knicks” as preferred destinations have the “Greek Freak”.

The Thunder could also fall into the group of possibilities for a potential Antetokounmpo suitor.

“I haven't mentioned them yet, but yeah, if you're from Milwaukee, you could just say, 'I'm not giving anything you want.' If you want out, we'll get you the best deal possible.' And Oklahoma City could definitely offer a good offer,” said the Eastern Conference general manager.


Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots during the Bucks' loss to the Nets on October 27, 2024.
Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots during the Bucks' loss to the Nets on October 27, 2024. NBAE via Getty Images

Antetokounmpo fueled some speculation of his own when he asked a Bucks staff member – in front of a reporter from The Athletic – a pointed question about the potential impact if the team performs poorly.

“If we don’t win this year, would you get fired?” Antetokounmpo said. “Have it in the back of your mind, for example: '[What] what if this year doesn't go well?' Yes, if we don't win a championship, I might be replaced. Yes, that is the job we live for. This is the world we live in. This affects everyone.”

If the Bucks' season continues to trend in the wrong direction, expect the debate to grow even stronger.