Giannis Antetokounmpo denies New York rumors after performance against Knicks
Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't going anywhere, at least not yet. After another stellar performance against the New York Knicks, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar once again dismissed speculation that he could move to New York.
Following Milwaukee's 121-111 victory over the Knicks, Antetokounmpo quickly shook off the trade rumors that have surrounded him since the offseason.
“Who said that? I didn't read it,” Giannis told reporters after the game. “I'm here, representing my team and that's it.”
The comment came in response to an ESPN report earlier this year that suggested the two-time MVP was open to a trade. But Antetokounmpo has made his loyalty to Milwaukee a defining part of his career, and he's made it clear that winning is his only focus.
“We beat the Knicks. What's important now is we have a game two days later against the Golden State Warriors. Stay locked in and get two games in a row,” he said. “I didn't read the article. I try to stay away from all rumors, speculation and trading. It has nothing to do with me.”
After four games, the Bucks are off to a 3-1 start and Giannis is nearly unstoppable. According to Justin Grasso, he averaged 36.3 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists per game while shooting 69% from the field and an eye-popping 57% from three-point range.
Tuesday night's win wasn't just about quelling rumors; It's about sending a message. The Knicks had Milwaukee jerseys last season, but this time, Giannis made sure history didn't repeat itself.
“I'm here to compete,” he said. “I play for my teammates, for this city. Everything else will fall into place.”
The league may still be waiting for the so-called “Giannis bubble” to burst, but as long as he continues to play at an MVP level, that wait looks set to last.
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