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Oct 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) look on in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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Oct 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) look on in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Being Giannis Antetokounmpo is never easy. You do everything, but the spotlight is never on you. Building a dream team isn’t just about talent. It’s about chemistry, execution, and trust. But there’s one secret ingredient—partnership. The right duo can change everything. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were supposed to be that unstoppable force. A perfect blend of power and precision. But with Dame sidelined, it’s been a one-man spectacle. Giannis is carrying it all, but for how long? Meanwhile, there is good news. And help is on the way (it looks like it!).
On Get Up, while breaking down Giannis’s 37-point masterclass against the Suns, the conversation took a turn. Once again, there are whispers in the street that the 30-year-old Greek superstar could look for alternatives in the league. Simply put, Antetokounmpo might want his way out of the Bucks if they don’t emerge as a championship-winning team soon. Could we be living in a world where Giannis wants out of Milwaukee this summer?
ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider, Shams Charania, said: “He [Giannis Antetokounmpo] has said on the record, if he doesn’t feel like the organization he’s on is willing and really going to pursue an NBA championship, he’s always going to keep an open mind to look elsewhere.” Besides, rumors and further reports also suggest that many teams are keeping an eye on the 30-year-old former MVP. To be precise, the Brooklyn Nets have been eyeing the superstar for a while now. Moreover, Giannis is signed for a 5-year, $228M contract with the Bucks. He will be around until 2027-28 unless he asks his way out.
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Mar 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Charania added: “My understanding is, going into the summer, he’s looking at long-term sustained winning. Is that going to be in Milwaukee? Is that going to be elsewhere? We’ll see.” If the rumors are true and the Nets are leading the race to acquire Giannis, does that guarantee a championship next season? Instead, the OKC Thunder, with their endless assets, could be the perfect home for the Greek Freak, given that he requests a trade.
At the same time, there is hope that’s encapsulating the Bucks, and it has everything to do with Damian Lillard. Well, in all fairness, Giannis Antetokounmpo needs Lillard on the floor. But since his deep vein thrombosis diagnosis, the Greek superstar has been missing a piece on the court during the games. However, as the saying goes, there is always light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Amidst Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade talks, good news in the form of Damian Lillard hits the Bucks squad
Blood clots have forced Lillard to the sidelines, stealing his regular season. But the Bucks refuse to let go of hope. And for once, Shams Charania gave them a reason to hold on. While talking about the Milwaukee Bucks‘ win, the discussion shifted straight to Dame. Maybe, just maybe, there’s light at the end of this tunnel.
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Mike Greenberg, aka Greeny, wanted to know about the 34-year-old veteran point guard’s blood clot situation. Well, it’s not every day that you get to hear Charania begin a conversation with, “There is some good news here.” But well, he did, for a change. “I am told that Damian Lillard is making progress with that blood clot. He’s had weekly doctor visits, and doctors are encouraged by it. They see his blood clot actually decreasing right now, so it’s lowering.“

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Nov 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Now, that is some positive news that will surely bring some relief to Doc Rivers and Co. Most importantly, it’s Giannis who has his best assist back on the floor if Dame truly makes a comeback soon. Charania continues. “He’s getting to the point where he’s doing some light workouts. They’re hopeful he’s going to be cleared in the next week or so for some type of on-court activity.”
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Thus, the Bucks are walking a tightrope. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future feels uncertain, whispers of a new home growing louder. The Nets? The Thunder? Maybe. Maybe not. But amidst the chaos, a flicker of hope—Dame is fighting his way back. His return could be the lifeline Milwaukee desperately needs. So, is this the end of an era? Or just the beginning of something special?
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Is Damian Lillard's return the key to keeping Giannis in Milwaukee, or is it too late?
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