Bucks GM says Giannis Antetokounmpo trade was a choice, not a necessity

Jul 9, 2026 2:17 PM

Bucks general manager Jon Horst rejected the idea that Milwaukee was forced into trading Giannis Antetokounmpo, stressing that the organization made the move because it believed it was the right direction for both sides rather than out of obligation.

“This was not a ‘have to,'” Horst said during a conference call with reporters.

“This was, we truly believed we’ve found an opportunity which is unique. We might be right. We might be wrong. But an opportunity where this is what’s best for him and what he wants to pursue going forward, and this is what’s best for us and what we want to pursue going forward. And that’s why we made the decision.”

Horst explained that Milwaukee’s priority was finding a trade package that positioned the franchise for long-term success while also giving Antetokounmpo an opportunity he wanted.

“Ultimately, the only thing that mattered to us organizationally was to work to try to find a trade, if we were going to do a trade, to try to find a trade that we thought gave us the best path forward,” Horst said.

“And if we could do that and have it be a great opportunity for him, we would execute that.”