Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to be the bad guy if he wants to change teams

Giannis Antetokounmpo is frustrated he has to answer questions about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. But like many superstars, including one who spent the last two seasons on the Bucks, he'll have to outright demand a trade if he wants a better situation.

The 14-19 Bucks don't look like a contender, sitting in 11th place, four games out of sixth and a guaranteed playoff berth. Given their recent history, the Bucks will continue to throw all of their diminishing trade assets at improving the team around the Greek Freak until he tells them he wants out.

Damian Lillard had an awkward departure from the Blazers

Two summers ago, Damian Lillard requested a trade after spending the first 11 seasons of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. He'd hinted at his unhappiness and teams he'd like to play for before finally requesting a trade roughly 24 hours into free agency in 2023. The Blazers didn't send him to his preferred destination, the Miami Heat, but eventually traded him to the Bucks.

While Lillard may have delayed an outright trade demand through two losing seasons in Rip City, he likely could have asked out earlier. After he tore his ACL during the playoffs and the Bucks waived-and-stretched his salary, he re-signed with the Blazers on a two-year deal and was welcomed back with open arms.

It may be that Antetokounmpo truly hasn't decided he wants to leave the Bucks. When he delivered a controversial windmill dunk in the final seconds of a win over the Chicago Bulls Saturday, he told reporters his intention was to "wake up" his struggling team.