The talks started to pick up momentum when the Bucks released All-Star guard Damian Lillard. Although the move to release Antetokounmpo’s co-star led to the star forward getting upset, no trade request was lodged. Rather, the Greek Freak had multiple instances where he expressed his loyalty to the franchise.

After winning the NBA title in 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have lost in the first-round three years in a row.