We’re weeks into the offseason, and despite countless trades, the biggest question that still remains is about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. It started even before the season ended, after the  Bucks crashed out in the first round of the playoffs. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Greek Freak might be on his way out of Wisconsin. While it’s wise to listen to the Shams, this time, despite several signals, Antetokounmpo is yet to make a move. So, what’s the holdup for?

On the surface, things seem pretty simple; that’s because Giannis is a superstar stuck in a team considered by many to be nowhere near title contention. Most would hand in a trade request at this point. However, the two-time MVP is unlike most NBA stars. According to The Athletic’s Zach Harper, one thing that might be holding the 30-year-old from leaving Milwaukee is the fact that he wants to be universally liked. To put it simply, the Greek Freak doesn’t want people to think he’s bailing out on Milwaukee.

“In my opinion (no reporting here), the biggest thing holding hope for Giannis staying in Milwaukee is that I don’t fully believe he’s willing to embrace the potential PR hit of bailing,” Harper wrote. Although Harper mentioned that this isn’t a report, it may present a rather simplistic view of things. 

At the same time, it is indeed hard to find reasons for the absence of trade talk. For the past two seasons, the furthest the Bucks have gone is the first round of playoffs, and that happened when both Giannis and Damian Lillard were at their disposal. Now, with Dame back with the Trail Blazers and Giannis stuck with this team, there’s almost no chance that he could compete for the title. Some might argue that the Bucks have landed Myles Turner and a few rotation pieces, but that still doesn’t make them a competitive team. 

So, the only way to explain why Giannis Antetokounmpo is still wondering about whether or not to leave the Bucks is the fact that he wants to be liked by everyone and finish his career as a one-franchise guy. However, Harper also mentioned that Giannis’ competitive spirit is something that should eventually override his love for the city of Milwaukee. We all know how competitive the Greek superstar is, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he decided to take his business elsewhere to have a better shot at the title. 

The Bucks eye Andrew Wiggins to help make Giannis Antetokounmpo stay

It’s been a pretty busy offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks. They’ve made blockbuster moves, including landing Myles Turner and buying out Damian Lillard. However, they’re not done, just yet. Well, that’s mainly because they cannot rest until they have a competitive team that’s worthy of making Giannis Antetokounmpo think of staying. That’s why the Bucks are now reportedly eyeing Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints revealed that the 30-year-old forward was on Milwaukee’s radar.

“The Milwaukee Bucks inquired about trading for Andrew Wiggins, per @BrettsiegelNBA.” The asking price? “The Heat were willing to deal Wiggins if they received an instant impact player, along with an upcoming first-round pick before 2028.” Such a steep asking price for a player who clearly isn’t getting any better is exactly what you’d expect from the Godfather, Pat Riley. The Heat front office is well aware of Milwaukee’s dire need for rotational players and wants them to make a sacrifice. 

How do we know? Well, it’s pretty simple: the Bucks, as we all know, do not have any real assets; they do not have any players to trade for or any draft capital. So, if they seriously want to make a move for Andrew Wiggins, they’ll have to sacrifice a player from their starting lineup. Now, even if they did do that, would it be worth the risk? After all, we’re talking about a player who seems to be past his prime. So, it will be interesting to watch if the Bucks decide to give up a starter and a pick for Wiggins as the clock keeps ticking.