Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed the media Thursday, speaking candidly about his recent calf injury and ongoing trade speculation.
“I feel good. I’ve been working. I’ve been running. I just can’t wait… to get back out there and play basketball,” he said regarding his expected four-week recovery from a right soleus strain sustained on December 3.
Reflecting on the injury, Antetokounmpo explained, “I feel like after the groin injury, I was in the mindset that I was getting back too soon… instead of taking the appropriate time, I kind of rushed things, which that’s what I’ve done my whole career.” He emphasized the need to manage his body carefully moving forward, noting, “I just got to be smart… I cannot cheat the time timeline anymore.”
The two-time MVP also addressed reports linking him to potential trades. “I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks. I’m still locked in… on my teammates and how can I help them from the sideline or encourage them,” he said. On rumors about his agent’s conversations with other teams, he added, “My agent works for me… there’s going to be conversations… we can’t control. At the end of the day, I’m focused on basketball.”
Antetokounmpo acknowledged the toll that media speculation can take but insisted it does not affect his work or relationships within the team. “It doesn’t affect my relationship with my teammates… with my coach… with the GM. It doesn’t really bother me because they know what I’m about,” he said.
Despite the Bucks’ struggles this season, Giannis expressed confidence in his teammates’ character and determination. “There’s nothing that’s frustrating me about this team… we have high character guys. The only part that might be frustrating is that we’re losing. I don’t like losing,” he said. He emphasized the importance of team unity, urging players to support one another through adversity: “When somebody falls on the floor, go pick him up. When somebody misses a shot, encourage him… all those little things add up.”
Antetokounmpo also discussed his leadership role while sidelined. “Having conversations with Myles [Turner], with Bobby [Portis], [Kyle Kuzma] encouraging them… showing up, being there, feeling my presence when I’m at practice or at the game in the locker room,” he said. He stressed that basketball preparation and team focus remain his top priorities.
While trade chatter persists, Milwaukee’s stance has not wavered. Sources confirm the Bucks are not planning to move Antetokounmpo and continue to build around him, with offseason moves including the acquisition of Myles Turner and a waiving of Damian Lillard signaling long-term commitment.
Giannis remains focused on recovery and helping Milwaukee climb out of its current 11-16 record. “I just want to play basketball,” he said. “Rumors won’t help us win the game… we just got to focus on basketball.”
