Did Giannis Antetokounmpo Request Trade from Bucks? NBA Insider Debunks Viral Rumor

Giannis Antetokounmpo deleting Milwaukee Bucks-related content on his social media accounts has caused a frenzy.

On Tuesday, one account tweeted that Antetokounmpo has requested a trade and has declared the LA Lakers as his preferred destination. NBA insider Sean Wright immediately debunked the post and said that the Bucks have not received a request for the nine-time All-Star.

"REPORT: #Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo has NOT requested a trade. Sources say the superstar is 'desperate' for the ship in Milwaukee to turn around, citing a need for change 'around Giannis.'"

There have been no credible reports from reputable NBA insiders and major news outlets that Antetokounmpo has requested to be traded.

Speculations were fueled when several fans noticed on Tuesday that Antetokounmpo had hit a social media reset. Further, the Bucks star changed his X profile description to just "NBA Athlete." There were also rumors about LA being his preferred destination, as his most recent tweet was a birthday greeting to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

The social media reset came a day after the Bucks' 129-126 loss to the last-place Washington Wizards. Before that game, the Wizards had only won two games. While there is no reliable report about Antetokounmpo being unhappy, many have speculated he might be thinking about his future in Milwaukee.

The Bucks have started the season 9-13 and are just 2-8 in their last 10 games. Despite the losing record, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists on 63.9% shooting.

Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors intensify as Milwaukee struggles

The Milwaukee Bucks came into the season with an expectation that they would contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference. However, 22 games in, the Bucks are No. 11 in the conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo said over that summer that he wants to be on a championship-contending team.

The Bucks have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since their 2021 championship run. Pressure has been on the team's front office to build a title-contending roster around the two-time MVP. They most notably waived nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard and replaced Brook Lopez with Myles Turner.

However, despite the emergence of guard Ryan Rollins, the Bucks have struggled to rack up wins. Until the trade deadline in February, all eyes will be on Milwaukee, as Antetokounmpo's future is in question.