The entire NBA world is still trying to process the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. To help us do that, everyone is giving their take on what is one of the biggest trades ever, including Giannis Antetokounmpo who shared his thoughts after the Bucks loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.
Asked what he thought about the move, Antetokounmpo said he initially thought it was fake news, but like Kevin Durant, he used it as an example of how no one is safe in the NBA and players and teams are held to a double-standard when it comes to loyalty.
"And at the same time, I understand the business of basketball, that sometimes teams need to make the best moves that are good for their organization and for their position and for their own pursuit of greatness and championships," said Antetokounmpo. "But at the same time, it goes both ways. You cannot have a double standard here. When the teams make the best moves for them and they believe they can get another player to win now.
"When a player believes that he can go to a different team, and he believes that he can have the chance to win a championship, we cannot crucify the person and say that he's not loyal and he didn't do the right thing and he let everybody down because the history has showed you that you have to do what's best for you and your family and you have to do what's best, what's most important to win."
After a long, thoughtful answer he decided it was time to switch gears and celebrated European excellence in the NBA, but may have gone too far for some fanbases, including the Bucks'.
"Okay, let's say something funny because I took it and spoke very very serious... Now that a European will be, I believe, the face of the Lakers, this is something new for Europe. It's never happened before. We had Pau Gasol. Obviously, he was a great player. And how do you say, Vujacic? Sasha Vujacic? Great guy, one of my close friends, but I mess up his name all the time. Now, I just love it. You know what I want? I want Luka to the Lakers, I want Jokic to the Knicks. I want all the Europeans to go to all the big markets to see something incredible. This is what I want. This is my dream. But again, I wish both teams the best of luck, wish all the players best of luck with their journey moving forward."
Anyone looking for a new round of rumors and prognostication about Giannis possibly leaving Milwaukee someday, he sure sounds like someone who has at least thought about how it would be perceived. Antetokounmpo has a player-option two summers from now so we shall see.
At 30-years old and in the prime of his career, he's having another MVP-worthy season. Who wouldn't want that?
More of the Latest Around the NBA
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Giannis Antetokounmpo Reacts to Luka Doncic Trade, Hopes Nikola Jokic Goes to NY Next.
