Giannis trying to trigger trade, says NBA champion
A former NBA champion has alleged that the Bucks star is trying to force through a move.
In what has become one of the NBA’s most talked-about narratives this season, speculation continues to mount around the future of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While the two-time MVP remains under contract and has publicly stated his commitment to the Bucks for now, the swirl of trade chatter has showed no sign of slowing down.
Trade rumours spiked as if they were subject to a Trump crypto tweet after Giannis suffered a calf strain, sidelining him for an estimated two to four weeks. This absence only amplified murmurs up and down the corridors of the NBA about whether the player’s future in Milwaukee might be nearing a point of no return. Literally.
And now, as we roll into the festive period, at the heart of the debate lies a question of motivation: is Giannis quietly pressuring the Bucks toward a trade, or are outside observers simply looking for patterns where none exist?
Iman Shumphert believes Giannis Antetokounmpo shut it down to get traded 👀
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 11, 2025
“Giannis cut corners. I could do it but imma sit down. I’m bout to get traded. He usually do play. Now he’s trynna get trade. We all know what’s going on.”
(h/t @NBA__Courtside)pic.twitter.com/8mmsYhPlvO
“Giannis cut corners... We all know what’s going on”
Well, one former player has suggested that we are not seeing illusions, that the player is indeed positioning himself in a way that could nudge the franchise toward a blockbuster deal.
Former NBA Champion Iman Shumphert firmly believes Antetokounmpo shut it down in order to grease the wheels of a move away from Milwaukee. “Giannis cut corners,” he said. “I could do it but imma sit down. I’m bout to get traded. He usually do play. Now he’s trynna get trade. We all know what’s going on.”
Despite this, league insiders confirm that conversations have taken place between Giannis and teammate the rumours. Speculation has also named several possible trade suitors, with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat most frequently mentioned as plausible destinations should a move occur.
What complicates the narrative further is Giannis’ own wording when discussing his future. Publicly, he has maintained that he is committed to the Bucks this season, but he also left the door open to reevaluate next summer if he believes championship contention is out of reach. “I think when I’m going to be 35 years old and sitting in this chair, we are going to have a discussion how I am the top list of all time in scoring,” Antetokounmpo told the media. That kind of ambiguity keeps both fans and front offices guessing.
The Warriors are reportedly willing to trade Draymond Green for Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @JakeLFischer
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2025
“The only player I think in the league that Golden State would be willing to move Draymond Green for would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s the only player. Between him and… pic.twitter.com/uoqtVzJlYe
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