It seems that the drama surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks has officially boiled over, transforming what started as an offseason rumor into a realistic matter. As the Bucks currently stumble to a disappointing 11-15 record in this NBA season, the speculation and doubts that have been around since their third consecutive first-round playoff exit is now being openly debated. Even an NBA champion has joined the party and thrown his darts at the Nigerian player.
Former NBA player and now basketball analyst Kendrick Perkins, delivered a burning hot take, labeling the two-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, as a “coward.” Those comments were made while attending the “Road Trippin‘” podcast.
Giannis is a coward. I say that respectfully. Because he don’t want to be there, and it’s okay. Instead of him just coming out and saying, ‘Trade me.’ … Publicly come out and say, ‘Trade me’.
Enough of empty silence
Perkins’ opinion stems from his perception of the disconnection between all the trade rumors linking Antetokounmpo to other teams, such as the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
For Perkins, Antetokounmpo is lacking bravery to ask for a formal public trade request, acting with an empty silence that could become a distraction for the rest of his teammates. He argues that if Antetokounmpo truly wants to leave, he should “stand on it” and end all the ongoing media narrative that is 100% impacting the Bucks’ season.
However, Richard Jefferson (podcast co-host), quickly argued Perkins’ take and defended the forward, questioning the right of any external figure to dictate how a player who has brought that much to the team in the past should handle his career’s doubting moments. Jefferson essentially backed Antetokounmpo’s decision to handle his affairs behind closed doors as a personal business choice, not as a moral take.
His social media activity sparked controversy
Despite no official trade request yet, the narrative around Antetokounmpo’s future is being partially driven by his social media inactivity. The nine-time All-Star recently deleted most of the Milwaukee Bucks-related content from his X profile, leaving fans and media outlets to take it as a cryptic signal.
While it is true that his representatives and the Bucks have reportedly begun discussions about his future, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the “Greek Freak” will remain on the roster.
Whether Antetokounmpo plans to pressure the franchise into making significant financial moves or if he is simply maneuvering to a new destination, his quiet stance on social media has created a massive speculation storm.
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