Jon Horst placed his cards well. He always had an UNO Reverse, and he used it on time to change the script. Bag the price and throw one of his top stars into uncertainty’s shadow. You can call this one the most out-of-the-box trade this offseason so far, as Myles Turner walks into the Milwaukee Bucks. And for Damian Lillard, ‘free agent’ becomes his new status. Well, as time progressed, more conversations came into the picture. Guess what? Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the mix.

Of course, no trade talks in Milwaukee can remain untouched without questioning the Greek Freak’s involvement in it. Has the 30-year-old also played a role in having the ex-Indiana Pacers center on the roster? Maybe. And did he have a role to play in Dame’s situation? Maybe.

Amidst so many ‘maybes’, Forbes’ Evan Sidery reported: “Giannis Antetokounmpo helped recruit Myles Turner to the Bucks, they both loved the idea of pairing up, per @ShamsCharania. If Giannis is using his voice in this manner behind the scenes, hard to imagine a trade request coming anytime soon.”

Well, here’s what Charania wrote in his report for ESPN: “The Bucks had visions of attempting to acquire Turner, but had no pathway due to their salary restrictions, but Horst and Brown huddled on Monday and Tuesday to create an opening. Turner and Antetokounmpo both valued the opportunity to partner on the court during the process, sources told ESPN. With Antetokounmpo considering his future and whether his best fit was with the Bucks moving forward, Milwaukee executives once again make a major move.”

To make this clear, Myles Turner has agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with the Bucks. The contract includes a player option for 2028-29 and a full 15% trade kicker. Milwaukee had no clear path due to salary constraints, but Horst and Brown cracked the code in back-to-back meetings. Turner and Giannis Antetokounmpo both embraced the idea of joining forces. With Giannis rethinking his future, the Bucks responded by making another bold, calculated splash.

If you observe carefully, you will understand that Shams Charania is indicating Antetokounmpo’s clear and direct involvement in this trade. However, NBA insider Chris Haynes stands on the opposite side of the story, stating that the 30-year-old 2x MVP isn’t happy about Damian Lillard’s exit.

Chris Haynes’s reports contradict with Charania’s reports of Antetokounmpo’s involvement

The ESPN senior insider said Giannis was involved in the Myles Turner trade and Lillard’s waiving. But Chris Haynes reported otherwise. He is Mariah Riddlesprigger’s cousin. According to him, Giannis was not happy with how things played out with Lillard at the Bucks. The reports clash, leaving questions about what really happened behind closed doors.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly “not pleased with the Bucks’ decision to buy out Damian Lillard” and “just didn’t like how it was handled.” All offseason, he’s been navigating his future, weighing every angle. Now, this move adds another wrinkle. As one source put it, Giannis sees “some suspect things happening.” The tension builds, and Milwaukee’s front office might soon find itself answering tough questions.

And while it remains a mystery whether the Greek Freak was involved or not, one thing is sure that the air has shifted in Milwaukee. Moreover, Damian Lillard seemingly has four teams before him that could pursue him diligently. And yes, Myles Turner will now wear the iconic green and white from the 2025-26 season onwards.

Giannis Antetokounmpo might be playing chess while the rest play checkers, but even the king questions the board sometimes. Conflicting reports now blur the lines between influence and fallout in Milwaukee. As Turner unpacks his bags and Lillard eyes fresh horizons, the Bucks stand at a crossroads. One voice echoes louder than ever. And that silence between moves? It speaks volumes.