Giannis Antetokounmpo briefly responded to a major NBA trade on June 22 involving Kevin Durant, demonstrating a calm yet pointed reaction amid the league’s ongoing offseason moves. The Milwaukee Bucks star’s succinct response encapsulated the significance of the trade and its potential ripple effects across the NBA landscape.
On June 22, the Phoenix Suns agreed to send 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. Antetokounmpo’s reaction came shortly after this announcement, with a simple post saying, Oh Oh, on the social media platform X, hinting at the unfolding drama within the league.
Durant himself was caught off guard during the trade announcement, which occurred while he was on stage at Fanatics Fest. Surprised by the news, Durant questioned whether the trade was legitimate. Later, when asked about his future, he said,
“We’re gonna see man, we’re gonna see.”
For a time, Antetokounmpo’s own uncertain status with the Bucks was seen as a potential barrier to any trade involving Durant. The Suns, however, remained determined to move the two-time NBA champion before the 2025 draft, providing clarity on their direction despite Antetokounmpo’s pending decisions. As Marc Stein noted earlier this year,
“The expectation persists that Durant will ultimately reach the trade market this offseason, but it might not happen until there is clarity on whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will be staying in Milwaukee or seeking a trade of his own.”
Why the Bucks Are Reluctant to Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks appear steadfast in their commitment to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo, especially given his impressive achievements and ongoing contract. As a two-time MVP and with nine All-Star selections alongside five All-Defensive First Team honors, Antetokounmpo represents a franchise cornerstone whose value is difficult to quantify.
Antetokounmpo recently signed a three-year contract extension worth $176.4 million, complicating any potential trade under the current collective bargaining agreement. This sizable commitment discourages the Bucks from entertaining offers that may not justify losing a player of his caliber.
For example, the trade return the Suns received for Durant—Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, the 2025 No. 10 draft pick, and multiple second-round selections—illustrates that even a star of Durant’s stature and condition, entering his 37th season, commands a complex trade value potentially lower than expected. The Bucks reportedly obtained Jae Crowder in their dealings with the Suns, contributing to their roster consistency after sending multiple role players and draft picks to the Indiana Pacers.
Durant’s durability remains a question mark, contrasting with Antetokounmpo’s relatively younger age of 30, soon to be 31 in December, and consistent health. This makes the Bucks even more determined to keep their franchise player rather than follow the path of restructuring through trades.
Voices from the Bucks Organization Reflect Strong Support for Antetokounmpo
The commitment to Giannis is echoed by Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, who has repeatedly affirmed the player’s dedication to the franchise. Speaking with Bill Simmons on The Bill Simmons Podcast on June 17, Rivers acknowledged,
“I don’t know how many more times Giannis has to say he wants to be a Buck, and he wants to win a title [as] a Buck. It’s so cool to me, because it’s not the way it’s done anymore. But with certain guys – I don’t think Steph Curry would ever leave Golden State. Ever. And I’m hoping, obviously, Giannis is the same way. That’s the way he’s been so far, and it’s been great. It’s been awesome.”
This optimistic outlook is shared by Bucks forward Bobby Portis, who emphasized the deep connection between Antetokounmpo and the city of Milwaukee. On the June 16 episode of Run It Back, Portis declared,
“I just think that, ultimately, when you’ve been on a team for a decade-plus, and when you’ve done so much for a city – lowkey, basketball in Milwaukee wasn’t like a thing until Giannis became who he was for real, right? So, when you put that much effort into a franchise, that much trust and belief, and being loyal for so long, like I said, man, it always go back to the point of me saying that I just feel like he bleeds green man no matter what’s reported, no matter what might come to the threshold.”
He added his personal conviction:
“So, me personally? Nah, man. I don’t really see any movement, see anything happening, man. I think he’s staying put with the Bucks. That’s just my personal opinion.”
Implications of Durant’s Trade and Giannis’s Future for the NBA
The trade involving Kevin Durant signals a shifting landscape in the NBA offseason, affecting top-tier players and franchises alike. Antetokounmpo’s reserved but loaded reaction highlights his awareness of the potential competitive impacts that this trade could trigger, not just for the Bucks but for the league overall.
With the Bucks determined to retain Antetokounmpo and the Suns moving forward without Durant, the future balance of power between NBA teams could be realigned. As Antetokounmpo approaches another season with the Bucks on a long-term deal, his role as a centerpiece remains vital for Milwaukee’s aspirations.
As the offseason continues, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if any further trades or developments affect these star players or alter existing team dynamics, especially with the 2025 draft on the horizon.