Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the cornerstone of the Milwaukee Bucks for over a decade. Despite his star status, the Greek Freak has typically avoided involving himself in decisions about trades for other players. Former Bucks big man John Henson shared in a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview that Giannis preferred to leave these choices to the front office rather than directly influence them.

Exception Made to Protect Khris Middleton

Henson recounted that Giannis usually declined to weigh in when asked about potential trades, reportedly telling team officials,

“I don’t wanna listen, do your job.”

However, that stance changed when a specific trade involving his close teammate Khris Middleton was proposed. There was talk of exchanging Middleton for Jimmy Butler, but Giannis firmly opposed the idea.

Giannis’ Refusal to Pursue Jimmy Butler Trade

Henson recalled,

“There was a trade…Khris Middleton for Jimmy Butler swap – Giannis was like ‘nah we’re not doing that’ – that was only time I ever saw him stand up and say something.”

Although the timing of this trade proposal remains unclear, as Butler was traded multiple times during Henson’s Bucks tenure from 2012 to 2020 before joining the Miami Heat, Giannis’ refusal to accept the deal was significant.

Aftermath and Impact on Careers

Following Milwaukee’s championship run, Middleton faced injury challenges that affected his play, while Butler has continued to excel as one of the league’s top two-way players. Giannis’ decision to block the trade for Butler reflects his loyalty to Middleton and highlights the complex considerations behind team roster moves in the NBA.