Giannis Antetokounmpo Killed Trade For Perennial All-Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are Giannis Antetokounmpo's team, and that has been the case for over a decade now.

However, unlike other stars, the Greek Freak has rarely tried to use his leverage to force the team to make or break any potential trade.

In a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, former Buxkcs big man John Henson revealed that Giannis didn't want to get involved in the decision-making process whenever he was asked about a trade:

"I know for a fact that Giannis, when he was younger, they would call him about trades and ask him, 'Do you want this guy or that guy?' and he was like 'I don't wanna listen, do your job,'" Henson said.

Nevertheless, he made a big exception when it came to dealing his sidekick, Khris Middleton.

Per Henson, there was a deal on the table to get Jimmy Butler to Wisconsin, but Giannis let the front office know that he wasn't on board with that:

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,” Henson added.

"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” @Johnhenson31 gives insight to @worldwidewob & @adaniels33 about Giannis and the team’s front office. pic.twitter.com/bmEmkfJgR4
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 2, 2025

Henson played for the Bucks from 2012 until 2020, and Butler was traded twice during that span before he signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent, so it's unclear when Giannis shut down the trade.

Unfortunately, Middleton's injuries derailed his career after his championship-winning season, while Butler continues to be one of the best two-way players in the game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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