Please complete verification to access this content.

Click to Verify

NBA trades are like plot twists in a high-stakes thriller—sometimes they change everything, and other times, they barely make a dent. Think 2018, when the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics. This left LeBron James with a drastically different roster. Many doubted whether the Cavs could remain competitive in the playoffs without their star point guard. Yet, LeBron single-handedly led the team to the Finals, proving his unmatched dominance and ability to elevate his teammates. So, do trades truly reshape a team’s destiny in the playoffs, or do the stars still need to shine regardless of who’s on the roster? Let’s listen to an NBA legend.

In Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Bucks pulled off a 117-101 win over the Pacers, making it a 2-1 series. Things weren’t looking great for Milwaukee at first, as they were down by 12 early in the second half, but a huge 39-18 third quarter turnaround changed everything. Gary Trent Jr. was on fire, hitting 9 three-pointers for 37 points—matching Ray Allen’s playoff record for the Bucks. Giannis was right there with him, dropping 37 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists. The Bucks turned up their defense and hit big shots when it mattered, pulling off the comeback and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Carmelo Anthony recently gave Giannis a reality check, urging him to keep playing and push through any doubts, even with Damian Lillard back in the mix. Melo said, “You’d be starting all over…why would you start over? I’d rather ride out with a Dame.” He highlighted the challenge Giannis would face if traded, stating, “get traded this season. you go from it being your situation again, and now you got to take two, three. four, steps backwards.And now that’s hard to adapt to and quick like that. So he’s not going to be having spectacular games, and because you aint part of the flow and you aint part of this system that we created from the beginning of the season.”

Melo’s advice for Giannis? Find a way to carve out his space and align his skills with the team’s existing plan. “We got to utilize and bank on your skill set to bring us something…that coincides with what already the plan is because you’re not part of the game.” The Bucks’ win against the Pacers on April 25 was a perfect example of what Melo was getting at. With Lillard back and fully recovered, the Bucks were able to secure a 117-101 victory. Giannis was the standout, scoring 37 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and making 6 assists—showing the kind of leadership Melo talked about. While Lillard was still struggling to get to form, he played 32 minutes but struggled with his shooting. He finished with 7 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, shooting 2-for-12 from the field and 1-for-8 from beyond the arc.

While Giannis stepped up in Game 3, questions about his future with the Bucks are still looming. With the trade rumors swirling, it’s worth asking—does Giannis really want to be traded this season?

Giannis Antetokounmpo finds his rhythm in Lillard’s absence

Antetokounmpo has made some bold claims about the impact of Damian Lillard’s absence on his game. After a solid 23-point, 13-rebound, and 10-assist performance, Giannis shared his thoughts on having the ball in his hands more often. “When I have the ball, I’m more poised because I have the ball more, you know? Like, I’m not chasing the ball,” he said. The 2x MVP has been showing a different rhythm on the court, explaining how he’s adjusting without Lillard. “When I play with Dame and the ball is swung to me, I gotta make a quick decision because they’re loading to Dame,” he added, shedding light on the challenge of making faster decisions when Lillard’s presence isn’t there to draw attention.

But the shift hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. As Giannis pointed out, “Now they’re off me for a second, and sometimes I might get myself in trouble.” Despite the challenges, Giannis has found ways to keep the game flowing. “I make the extra plays—either going to be assist, or it might be a hockey assist, or it might be a pass that creates an advantage for my teammate,” he explained. It seems that Giannis has evolved as a ball-handler in Lillard’s absence, taking more control of the offense while also becoming a key playmaker. With this adjustment, he’s starting to find more rhythm and poise, but it remains to be seen how the Bucks will adapt moving forward.

Antetokounmpo recently responded with humor and sincerity when asked about the possibility of being traded, especially to a team like Detroit. With a smile, he joked, “At least Luka went from Dallas to LA, why are you sending me to Detroit?” He quickly added, though, that in the NBA, it’s all business: “If I got traded, I would inform my family and do my job.” When asked if he’d ever text his GM requesting a trade, Giannis firmly said, “I’m not this kind of guy, they would have to kick me out.” While he clearly doesn’t see himself asking for a trade, Giannis’s loyalty to Milwaukee stands strong, though history shows that anything can change in the NBA. For now, Bucks fans can rest easy knowing their star wants to stay in Milwaukee, as long as the team keeps winning.

With Giannis stepping up and showing new leadership, the Bucks are in a strong position, especially with Lillard still finding his rhythm. However, as the trade rumors continue to swirl, the team’s future might hinge on how well Giannis can continue adapting to the changing dynamics and whether the Bucks can keep their star focused for the long run.