Bucks Did Not Consult Giannis Antetokounmpo Before Making Damian Lillard Trade

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Milwaukee Bucks did not approach Giannis Antetokounmpo before they moved forward with their trade of Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard.

"Directly, he literally played no role," said Adrian Wojnarowski. "In fact, Jon Horst did not bring this trade idea or sign off on it to Giannis Antetokounmpo because Jrue Holiday was involved. And the relationship there and the reverence that this organization and these players have for Holiday. He did not want to put that to Giannis Antetokounmpo and have him have that on his conscious necessarily that he might sign off or not sign off on it."

The Bucks believe their trade for Lillard improves their title odds, while also increasing the likelihood Antetokounmpo chooses to eventually sign an extension.

Via Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

[bqmuzik]

Would have loved to be a fly on the wall when Giannis heard he was getting Dame.

[JJ_PR]

It was a very nice birthday surprise for Giannis. I hope he's happy with the trade, I know I would be.

[Lalouie]

they didn't have to. everyone and his brother knows gianni likes dame

[akula1488]

Only two players they can get without approval from Giannis. Dame or Steph…

[Memories]

Don’t worry, I’m sure it didn’t require any consulting to acquire Dame Lillard.

[Beethoven]

I think that was very cool on the organization to do this. It shows they care for the team's bonding and relationships with each other, and was one step ahead being sensitive to that.

or it could mean they just didnt consult Giannis bc they couldnt give a rat's azz

[The Laker Kid]

Surprise!! You have a new coworker now

[Knick4Real]

Wait a minute...

We're supposed to believe Giannis -- the man who refused to sign an extension unless the front office improved the team -- was completely in the dark about a trade involving Jrue OUT and Dame IN???

Yeah, nice try, Milwaukee!

[We Are Groot]

Wait a minute...

We're supposed to believe Giannis -- the man who refused to sign an extension unless the front office improved the team -- was completely in the dark about a trade involving Jrue OUT and Dame IN???

Yeah, nice try, Milwaukee!

If u’ve kept tabs on Horst, u’d kno this is very much his MO.

lots are fixating on Dame IN … think sharing this was more abt Jrue OUT. That’s the part that wlda bn difficult for Giannis imo … going this route gives Giannis plausible deniability when it comes to sending Jrue packing

Altho I think all’a that goes up in smoke once Giannis gets on the court with Dame. They shld be a dynamic pairing …

[Lalouie]

i believe this. jrue has a league-wide rep as one of the good guys.

he has been well liked everywhere he's been, by team, players, and fans alike. i don't think giannis or anyone else would want to have the trading of jrue on his conscience. particularly since jrue put them over the top, and mil had the best record in the nba last year anyway. part of the team's season has to be on giannis's injury

when you mull these things over, no one wants jrue to go. just like i'm sure they didn't want the firing of bud on their conscience either. it was an FO decision thru and thru

[Lalouie]

Wait a minute...

We're supposed to believe Giannis -- the man who refused to sign an extension unless the front office improved the team -- was completely in the dark about a trade involving Jrue OUT and Dame IN???

Yeah, nice try, Milwaukee!

he says this every year and it's just good business sense to keep thing open. what if giannis signed and something REALLY disasterous and undexpected happens

and even if you believe yourself, and thinking about what giannis said,,,,,we're talking about jrue holiday not some shmoe

[Wallace_Wallace]

Not saying Woj lied, but the Bucks probably have talked to Giannis about who he prefers to with in the NBA and which teammates he may need to sacrifice.

[Melwing]

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if giannis told him to say that so that his relationship with holiday was not impacted