Giannis scores 37 but Bucks blown out again, as execs try to stir up trade rumors for Antetokounmpo
Another blowout loss and the Milwaukee Bucks are now 1-4 to start the season, as rumors of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade swell.
The Memphis Grizzlies outscored Milwaukee 40-24 in the first quarter on their way to a 122-99 win Thursday.
Antetokounmpo was on fire with 37 points on a ridiculous 17-of-22 shooting to go with 11 rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal, plus just one turnover. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Damian Lillard, was not good, shooting 1 of 12 from the field, 0-for-6 from deep in scoring four.
Milwaukee’s only win now came in the season-opener to a Sixers team playing without Joel Embiid and Paul George. They proceeded to lose to the underwhelming Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets before also falling to the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Coach Doc Rivers is now 20-27 with the Bucks and teams are circling — but not for Rivers.
Some reports from unnamed executives have mentioned trade destinations for Antetokounmpo.
Those same, execs, however, are also trying to stir things up to make it look like a trade is eminent when there is likely no talk whatsoever from either Antetokounmpo or the Bucks on the matter.
Antetokounmpo is signed through the 2026-27 season, though that doesn’t matter much in the NBA when a player wants out. Whether that ever happens with the 29-year-old who has shown Milwaukee nothing but loyalty, remains to be seen.
TOP PHOTO: FILE – Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)