Giannis Antetokounmpo boos home fans after basket amid trade rumors: ‘I don’t think it’s fair’
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The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be far from the glory days of their NBA championship just five years ago.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the team is in limbo, and the team is currently on the outside looking toward the playoffs.
During a 139-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, the Bucks were booed by their home crowd. Then, after making a layup and one, Antetokounmpo, amid trade rumors, booed them emphatically.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
It was an action that he certainly did not try to hide and that he defended after the game.
“Every time they boo me, I respond too,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone has the right to tell me how I should act.” [a] basketball court after being here 13 years. And I’m basically the all-time leader in everything.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks gestures during the Minnesota Timberwolves game at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2026 in Milwaukee. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Antetokounmpo was reportedly discussed by the Bucks and New York Knicks during the offseason; The Big Apple has been Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination if he were to leave the Bucks. Last month, it was reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent began talks with Bucks brass about his future with the team.
But earlier this month, Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to stay in Milwaukee.
“I’m not (going anywhere). I’m invested in this team. I want to turn this team around. I want to play good basketball. I want to be healthy. I want to help my teammates. I want to win games. The last six games we’ve played, we’re 4-2. We have a lot of games ahead of us. I’m locked in. I’m locked in. My priority is just staying healthy,” he told The Athletic.
“My plan is to be here for the rest of my career.”
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates with guard Kevin Porter Jr. during the Bulls game in Chicago on Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Even though the two-time MVP averages 29.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, Milwaukee currently sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with its record of 17-23.
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