Giannis says he will not request trade

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is slated to be a free agent after the 2020-21 season, could hold the league hostage this offseason if he were to decide a new destination is in order.

“It’s not happening. That’s not happening,” Antetokounmpo told Yahoo Sports after the Bucks were eliminated in five games in the second round by the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

“Some see a wall and go in [another direction]. I plow through it. We just have to get better as a team, individually and get right back at it next season.”

Source: Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports

ANALYSIS: After being eliminated from the playoffs, there was much speculation on what Giannis would do this offseason. With one year left on his contract, many people believed an early playoff exit would result in a trade request from Antetokounmpo. However, Giannis made it very clear following the loss to Miami that he will not be requesting a trade and he is focused on the Bucks and next season.

With that said, it remains to be seen if Giannis will sign a super-max extension with the Bucks this offseason. Just because he isn't requesting a trade doesn't mean he's committing to Milwaukee long-term. If he turns down the super-max extension, the Bucks should be concerned and they might have to look into trading him anyway (if they feel like he's leaning toward leaving as an unrestricted free agent after the season). 

Antetokounmpo averaged 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game this year for Milwaukee.