NBA rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly is no longer a target for a Western Conference team

One of the strangest storylines of this NBA offseason has been the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speculation of a potential exit from the Milwaukee Bucks sparked plenty of noise, but as training camp approaches, nothing has materialized.

The Houston Rockets were never seriously in the mix for Antetokounmpo, and now the reason is clear. According to general manager Rafael Stone, the Bucks made it known from the start that their two-time MVP was untouchable in trade discussions, even as rumors swirled that Houston had emerged as a dark horse candidate earlier in the summer.

“No,” Stone said when asked directly about the talk. “I deal well with Jon Horst [Bucks GM], I really like him. Jon was very clear that they weren’t doing anything. So, that was that.”

Before the Rockets signed Kevin Durant, chatter linked them with a possible push for Antetokounmpo, a move that would have transformed the franchise. But Stone emphasized that Milwaukee never placed their franchise cornerstone on the table, shutting down negotiations almost immediately. Still, many around the league sense that the Bucks and their superstar are on an inevitable collision course.

Antetokounmpo delivered a NBA championship to Milwaukee in 2021 and has remained among the league’s elite ever since. Yet the Bucks have struggled to regain their championship form, raising questions about whether the bond between the player and the franchise can hold.

see also

Draymond Green responds to Alperen Sengun’s claim that the Warriors were crying during NBA Playoffs

Even last season, with Damian Lillard by his side, the Bucks endured one of their most disappointing stretches of the Antetokounmpo era. Not even his MVP-caliber production — 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game — was enough to keep them from falling short.

Now, with Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez gone, the Bucks move forward into uncharted territory. They quickly added Myles Turner and also brought in Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr. to improve depth and versatility. Those moves could signal that Milwaukee has no intention of moving on from Antetokounmpo, despite persistent rumors and the occasional cryptic remark from the Greek star.