13-19! So controversial! Giannis Antetokounmpo responds to trade rumors for the first time

Giannis returned to action, playing only 24 minutes, hitting 10 out of 15 shots, and putting up 29 points and 8 rebounds to help the Bucks beat the Bulls 112-103.

Yet, in the last moments, with the game decided and the Bulls having conceded, he went for a windmill dunk, which triggered a confrontation.

Then, as the central figure, the Greek Freak walked away from the group when his Bucks teammates stood up for him.

Fans immediately reacted fiercely online, saying the following:

After the game, Giannis responded: “If it wakes the team up to fight for survival, then so be it. Besides, we’re not champions yet—why waste time on so-called respect and fair play?”

So far this season, the Bucks hold a 13-19 record, ranking 11th in the East, trailing the 10th-place Hawks by 1.5 games. Giannis has played in 18 games, averaging 28.8 minutes, 28.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, with an impressive shooting percentage of 64.1%.

According to the data outlet Real Sports,Giannis has logged 520 minutes this season and scored 521 points—an incredible scoring efficiency, making him the hottest trade asset in the NBA market, with many teams ready to empty their wallets to acquire him.

Notably, when asked after the game whether he still wants to stay with the Bucks, Giannis said:“Don’t ask that kind of question; it’s disrespectful to me and my team. As long as I’m here, I’ll give my all.””

This is Giannis’s first public response to trade rumors. He didn’t deny the possibility of leaving Milwaukee... Now 31 years old, his current contract runs through summer 2028, with a salary of $54.13 million this season and about $120 million combined over the next two seasons.

The Bucks still don’t want to let him go and are trying to strengthen the roster through acquisitions to persuade him to stay, targeting players like LaVine from the Kings and Grant from the Trail Blazers.

Recently, US media updated the odds for Giannis’s next destination, with the Heat (30%), Knicks (25%), and Spurs (9%) leading, followed by the Hawks (8%).

If Giannis truly brings his talent to the Spurs (23-8, second in the West), teaming up with Wembanyama would undoubtedly become a nightmare for the entire league.