Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo not looking for exit, Bobby Portis insists

Bucks forward Bobby Portis isn’t buying the idea that Giannis Antetokounmpo will ask out of Milwaukee anytime soon.

Speaking with ESPN Milwaukee, Portis said he talks to Antetokounmpo regularly and sees no indication the Bucks’ two-time MVP is angling for a trade.

“I talk to Giannis all the time. That’s my teammate,” Portis said. “Giannis bleeds green. That’s all I can say.”

Speculation about Antetokounmpo’s future has lingered throughout the offseason, but Portis believes the Bucks remain in position to contend in the Eastern Conference.

He pointed to injuries as the primary reason Milwaukee hasn’t made another title run since 2021.

“I mean, what’s wrong with our team? Why can’t we do it this year? The only thing wrong with us is people being hurt,” Portis said. “We win the championship. 2022 came in and we go down. We lose Game 7 to Boston. 2023, first round, Giannis tries to dunk on K. Love, comes down, hurts his back. We don’t have big fella.

“2024, Giannis hurts his leg against the Celtics in the regular season and then, doesn’t play another game. Then, coming back this year, we haven’t been really healthy. I don’t make excuses but that’s just what the tables was for us.”

The Bucks have added center Myles Turner this offseason, waiving the injured Damian Lillard to make it happen.