Giannis Antetokounmpo reignites trade rumors after Bucks' season finale

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks engaged in a back-and-forth dance again this season.

For the first time in his career, it looked like there was a realistic chance that he would be traded. The Bucks were struggling, Antetokounmpo was visibly frustrated and the timing just made sense.

Ultimately, Antetokounmpo stayed put. Ironically, he drew some backlash on social media for celebrating not being traded after spending weeks flirting with the possibility.

Now, with the team losing 50 games and him out with an injury, the former Finals MVP re-ignited trade rumors with some non-committal comments to the media. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't know if he'll be traded

“That’s a very good question,” Antetokounmpo told the media when asked whether he had played his last game for the Bucks, per The Athletic. “I don’t know. It’s not up to me anymore. It’s not up to me. We’ll see.”

Antetokounmpo played in only 36 games this season, the fewest in his career. He's usually been a durable player, having suited up for at least 61 games in every season.

That's also why he was so frustrated when the Bucks shut him down for the season, even though he said he was healthy enough to play. When asked about that, he unleashed against the Bucks' decision-makers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo calls out Bucks over lack of control

“I have never in my life denied participation (in) practice, which whoever says that — I don’t know who said that, who came up with that — that’s disrespectful towards what I’ve done for this team and the way I carry myself my whole career,” Antetokounmpo continued. “So, I thought I had control, kind of like, 'If I’m healthy, I’m going to play.' But this shows me that we — not just me, players in general — don’t have no control.”

This isn't the first time that he's opened up about this. He claimed that recent comments by Bucks co-owner Wes Edens were a "slap to the face." That — not even the losing season — might be what actually drives him away from Milwaukee. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't been offered a contract extension

Antetokounmpo still has one year left in his contract and a player option worth $62.8M for the 2027-28 season. The Bucks could offer him a contract extension now, but it looks like they're still on the fence with that situation.

Also, Antetokounmpo acknowledged that it was still too soon to even know whether he would want to sign an extension.

“Oh, that’s too far away. It’s something I gotta sit down, see, talk with my family, see what’s best for me and what’s best for my family, for my career. If that’s the best scenario, I will definitely want to do that. But before we even talk about an extension, somebody (has) gotta offer me that. I haven’t been offered an extension, so that’s too far. You gotta take it a step at a time,” Antetokounmpo added. 

Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 three-pointers per game on 62.4 percent from the floor this season.

He's still a superstar and would draw a huge return for the Bucks if they finally decide to cut him loose.