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Report reveals when Giannis Antetokounmpo lost patience with the Bucks

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 2:23 PM ET

A new report reveals what was ultimately the last straw for Giannis Antetokounmpo and his relationship with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks’ loss to Oklahoma City last Wednesday was viewed as a “point of no return” for Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The 122-102 loss, followed by Antetokounmpo’s postgame comments, meant that the “writing (was) on the wall” to many Bucks players and executives.

Multiple sources with knowledge of Milwaukee had indicated the Bucks’ loss to Oklahoma City last Wednesday, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s frustrations postgame, as a point of no return. The phrase we’ve heard over and over “the writing is on the wall,” from teammates and Bucks… https://t.co/LgeWpLTUdI
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) January 28, 2026

Antetokonmpo called out what he saw as “selfish” play from his teammates following that 20-point loss. The star forward only attempted 11 field goals in that game, which raised questions about whether the struggling Bucks were involving him enough in the offense. That loss dropped Milwaukee to 18-25, and they have not won since.

Public criticism of teammates, however well-intentioned, is usually a red line for a lot of teams. The fact that the normally mild-mannered Antetokounmpo was willing to go there underlined just how frustrated he had become, and it is easy to see why that loss and its aftermath proved to be a breaking point.

News emerged Wednesday suggesting Antetokounmpo had essentially asked the Bucks to trade him, and that the organization will comply either now or in the offseason. That decision comes with Milwaukee sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, and Antetokounmpo sidelined by a calf injury for at least a month.

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

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