Despite claims of not requesting a trade, Giannis Antetokounmpo remained a hot name for the trade deadline. Now that the 2x MVP is staying past the deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks would want to improve their 12th position in the East. The push for playoffs got a positive update from the Greek Freak.

“I’m healthy today,” Antetokounmpo said to ESPN’s Malika Andrews during the All-Star weekend. “I just got to check the boxes, I got to play 1-on-1, 3-on-3, 5-on-5. And the moment I do that, that’ll be my next game.”

It’s been nearly a month since Giannis Antetokounmpo played on the hardwood. On January 23, the Bucks superstar strained his right calf for the second time this season and has missed 9 games. The first time he hurt his right calf was back on December 3, and he had missed 8 games. Given the number of games missed, many are concerned about the Greek Freak’s availability when the season resumes from the short break.

Now that his focus is to get back sooner, he has reaffirmed his focus on the team. For some time, Giannis Antetokounmpo has reiterated that he is grateful that the Bucks took a chance on him by drafting him #15 all those years ago. Because of the loyalty, the 2x MVP is not ready to go all-out against the franchise. But he has his championship hopes, and if it’s not fulfilled in Milwaukee, then a move is on the cards.

“The most important thing I want to win the championship with the Milwaukee Bucks,” Antetokounmpo reaffirmed, but then added, “If that’s not on the table or in the plans, so that’s when you kind of like, ‘Okay, maybe I got to pivot because I really want to win.’”

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Giannis is still on the books past this year, and there’s been no formal trade request, but publicly acknowledging a possible “pivot” places pressure on the front office.

The Lakers emerged as an option since Giannis Antetokounmpo dismissed Miami links

During the All-Star weekend, Giannis was injured. Yet that didn’t stop him from featuring and being around his team. That’s when a fan got the opportunity to ask the Bucks star, “Will we see you in Miami this year?” The Greek forward seemingly heard him, but his verdict was clear: “For vacation.” For some time, Het were favorites as many believed that the two were a perfect fit for each other. But now it is probably time to move on.

Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers might be beginning to position themselves at the front of the line to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. One Western Conference executive explained that the Lakers would consider him a “big prize”. ESPN additionally added that LA would be on a “very short list” of preferred destinations for the Greek forward.

Another thing in their favor is LeBron James’ expiring contract, $52.6 million. King James is a free agent in the summer. The front office also made a minor move for reserve shooter Luke Kennard. All these things could point to the Bucks being on their toes in the off-season.