Giannis Antetokounmpo dismisses trade rumours after upsetting loss against Miami Heat

After 2020-21 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to be one of most high profile names to hit free ncy. With free ncy and a possible supermax contract looming over Milwaukee Bucks, several trade rumours about Greek Freak moving on to ar team surfaced during 2019-20 season. However, despite Bucks' 4-1 loss to Miami Heat during Eastern Conference semifinals, Giannis denied wanting to move on from Milwaukee. 

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Giannis Antetokounmpo says a move from Milwaukee Bucks is "t happening"

Throughout 2019-20 season, root of all Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumours was singular – lack of an NBA title. During Heat and Buck's second-round series, NBA reports mentioned a Giannis-Heat NBA trade would be possible if Bucks lost series. As per Athletic's Sam Amick, Bucks star was done playing for a "regular-season only team" and apparently wanted to trade in case of an early exit.

Earlier this year, Heat were reported to be trying to acquire Greek Freak, even maintaining and clearing cap for him. This was added to already existing Golden State Warriors rumours, while teams like Los Angeles Lakers were also included in reports. Giannis too, in an interview, had spoken about staying with Bucks till y kept on winning. 

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However, during an interview with Yahoo! Sports, Giannis Antetokounmpo dealt with year-long trade rumours regarding his move from free ncy. "It’s t happening. That’s t happening,” Antetokounmpo told Yahoo! Sports when asked about his decision. He added that when he sees a wall, he ploughs through it instead of going in ar direction. However, he kws y have to get better as a team and return next season.

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He n spoke about NBA title that keeps escaping his grasp, saying that "if winning a championship was easy, everyone would have one." According to Giannis, though loss was disappointing, y have to move on. 25-year-old Greek spoke about trust he places in his teammates and is aware of how difficult it is to win a title. This is second straight season where Bucks have reached playoffs but failed to make it to NBA Finals. 

Giannis also spoke about everyone in team having ir own role, elaborating on his bror Thanasis. 2020 Defensive Player of Year said Thanasis is always cheering everyone on, even if he is t playing. Giannis, who sat out Game 5 due to an ankle injury, said he is same. "This is a team and I’m going to do whatever I can to help our team win games.” Giannis is currently signed to a $245 million five-year contract and will be eligible for a supermax contract after this season. 

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(Im credits: AP)