TITLE: Antetokounmpo Dismisses Trade Speculation, Says He Remains Committed to Bucks
SLUG: antetokounmpo-dismisses-trade-speculation-committed-to-bucks
CONTENT:
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo pushed back Thursday against reports questioning his long-term future with the franchise, insisting he has not held personal discussions with team officials about potential moves.
Speaking publicly for the first time since sustaining a right calf strain earlier this month, the two-time MVP said any talks his representative might have with Milwaukee’s front office are independent of his own focus.
“If my agent is talking to the Bucks about it, he is his own person,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. “I don’t work for my agent. My agent works for me.”
The 29-year-old added that he is “still locked in on my teammates” while he recovers from the injury that has sidelined him during the club’s recent slide. Milwaukee entered Thursday at 11-17.
Antetokounmpo said the calf issue likely developed because he overcompensated after an earlier adductor strain. “Sometimes you rush back because you want to help, and maybe that was a mistake,” he acknowledged.
Trade rumors, he noted, are likely to persist until the Bucks reverse their fortunes. “Do I hope it ends? For sure. Do I think it’s going to end? No,” he said. “When people see cracks, they see opportunity. If I was on the other side as an executive, I’d probably do the same thing.”
While the Greek star works toward a return, he said his message to teammates is straightforward: play freely, stay urgent, and rely on his support from the sideline until he’s cleared to rejoin the lineup.
Source: Hoops Wire
