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Bucks telling teams Giannis Antetokounmpo not available
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Despite all the noise, the Bucks continue to insist they are not entertaining trade talks involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Milwaukee has been firm with teams that Antetokounmpo remains off limits, even as rival executives keep checking in. The message, per league sources, is consistent.

The Bucks want to keep building around their franchise star and are instead focused on finding roster upgrades, particularly on the wing.

“Rival executives interested in trading for Antetokounmpo who’ve spoken with HoopsHype don’t believe Milwaukee wants to move him right now,” Scotto wrote.

That stance comes with the Bucks sitting outside the top 10 in the Eastern Conference and staring at a fourth straight season of real uncertainty. Milwaukee has exited in the first round of the playoffs three consecutive years, and Antetokounmpo’s long-term future continues to be a leaguewide topic, fairly or not.

For now, though, the organization’s position has not changed.

Antetokounmpo remains sidelined with a right calf strain, with no clear timetable for his return. When healthy, he has once again been dominant, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting nearly 64 percent from the field.

He is under contract through at least 2027, with a player option for 2027-28.

The calls are coming. Milwaukee just isn’t answering.

RELATED | Giannis says he’s locked in on Milwaukee

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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