Just last month, when the Bucks waived Damian Lillard, GM Jon Horst made it pretty clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a key part of their project.  “I feel like that’s our responsibility always,” Horst said while talking to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. However, Giannis’ trade rumors are still going strong, with the NY Knicks emerging as the hottest suitors.

Now, per James Edwards III of The Athletic, Giannis will start the next season with the Bucks only, and even if a potential trade is in the pipeline, it will only be in February. Certainly a relief for Milwaukee, which is leaning on Antetokounmpo’s shoulders for their 3rd championship. But what if Giannis himself wants to move out of Milwaukee? Well, his recent confession almost gave a nightmare to Milwaukee fans.

Apart from the Greek Freak, his other three brothers, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex, also play basketball. Just like Giannis, his brother Thanasis has also played for the Bucks in the past. So, most recently, when they sat together for a podcast, Thanalysis Show, the 9x All-Star expressed his desire to play with his brother.

During the show, when the show host Thanasis tossed a seemingly lighthearted question Giannis’ way: “Is there any possibility we ever play on the same team,” the NBA champ did not shy away from a reunion. “Yes, why not? We’re one away… Sorry, worst-case scenario, we go back to Philatelicos, and we play there,” the Bucks’ guard said. Now, while Giannis did not name any NBA team to partner with his brother, his priority is clear: anything for the family.

A low-key declaration that basketball, for Giannis, has never just been about rings. It’s been about roots. And Milwaukee? They’re sweating… hard. Let’s talk numbers, because Giannis still puts them up like a Greek god scribbling box scores. 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists per game in 2025. Efficiency? Still ridiculous. Defensive presence? Eternal. Window for decline? Please, he’s 30, and he moves like he’s 24 with a chip on his shoulder. But here’s where it gets weird.

The Milwaukee Bucks are treating him like a man already halfway out the door. Stretching Dame Lillard’s deal back then created $20 million in annual dead money for the next five seasons. That’s a desperation move! It’s basically waving a financial white flag while hoping Giannis doesn’t notice the smoke. And yet, he notices. Because Giannis has been “evaluating his future” since May. He hasn’t committed. He hasn’t extended. And while he hasn’t demanded a trade either, the subtext is clear: show me something, or I’ll find someone who will.

Will the Bucks be able to hold Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Meanwhile, the Bucks are quietly reshuffling the roster like a team playing poker with a terrible hand. Chris Livingston, Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince, and Gary Trent Jr. all waived their implicit no-trade clauses this summer. That might sound like a footnote, but it’s not. It’s a signal. Milwaukee is bracing for the possibility that keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo means blowing everything else up. And if it doesn’t work?

As Allen Sliwa said, “Bucks and Giannis aren’t any closer to winning an NBA championship. I think those days are over, and I think Giannis probably deep down inside knows that.” Considering he is still 30, Antetokounmpo’s peak is not over yet, and all the teams are already keeping an eye on the Nigerian.

And with the Knicks already planning for a potential trade next season, only time will tell how long the Greek Freak will stay in Milwaukee!