Giannis Antetokounmpo creates NBA trade chaos with just 11 words

With each passing day, it appears more and more likely that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will be staying put. Previously, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Indiana Pacers for the second straight year. Once that happened, it appeared that he was all but certain to demand a trade.

Now, it appears the tide has turned, and Giannis will likely return to Milwaukee next season. In fact, his recent comments to Eurohoops seemingly confirm that.

Those comments come as ESPN insider Brian Windhorst states that he doesn't have a trade market because he is not actively being shopped. That proves that Giannis has yet to demand a trade, and he may not after all. If that is the case, then the Bucks dodged a major bullet, while the teams looking to trade for him are likely disappointed.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks

Perhaps Giannis had a change of heart after taking a look around the Eastern Conference. After all, the Boston Celtics will be without their best player, Jayson Tatum, for perhaps all of next season.

They may also have to move on from two or even three members of their championship core to reshape the roster and avoid staying in the second apron. Additionally, the Cleveland Cavaliers may also have to trade one of their stars, which is certain to cause them to take a step back next season.

Then there are the Pacers, who, despite being underrated, managed to make the Eastern Conference Finals last season and the NBA Finals this season. That makes the Bucks being eliminated by them far less embarrassing.

The Pacers emerging as a contender makes the Eastern Conference more competitive. Meanwhile, other teams like the Celtics and the Cavs faltering gives the Bucks an opportunity.

The Bucks can still contend with Giannis Antetokounmpo

While they will be without Damian Lillard for possibly all of next season, the Bucks were actually better with Giannis on the floor minus Lillard this season. That gives Milwaukee a glimmer of hope.

Bringing back most of their roster aside from potentially Brook Lopez and/or Bobby Portis Jr. would give Giannis a younger roster. With him and several players ready to prove themselves, they should, at the very least, be a playoff team.

Depending on how good (or bad) the East is, they could conceivably make the second round. That probably won't keep Giannis from looking elsewhere, but him seemingly staying to start next season gives the Bucks more time to figure out their next move.