Greek Freak Watch

The narrative around Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks has officially shifted from loyalty to leverage.

- ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG

Once considered the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) most untouchable star (and the champion who stayed), he is now its biggest variable. For the green and white, the seismic shift is fueled by a confluence of factors: the rocky start to the season, the underwhelming integration of new pieces, and the ultimate nightmare scenario.They are in legitimate danger of losing him for nothing when his player option looms in 2027. Publicly, the Bucks are insisting that their generational talent is not, and will never be, available. In boardroom confines, however, they accept that they are walking a tightrope. They want to keep Antetokounmpo, but they also know the time to extract maximum value for him has come. The pressure on them has become immense, and, unfortunately, it’s entirely self-inflicted. After sacrificing a war chest of assets to build a “winnow” roster, they find themselves stuck in the middle; amid the me