Yesterday afternoon, the NBA world was abuzz after several reports surfaced, stating that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted out of the franchise. Instantly, teams started frantically preparing their best potential trade package to land the two-time NBA MVP and former NBA Finals MVP, and several media outlets hoped their franchise would be his next home. In the last 24 hours, hundreds of trade bundles have been made, dozens of whispers about where he wants to go, what it would cost, and how soon he would be moved have been released, and everyone is anxiously awaiting the breaking news alert of a trade. According to Fox 32 News Sports Anchor Lou Canellis, the Chicago Bulls were one of Antetokounmpo's first calls. They responded exactly as expected.
The Bulls Turned Down Giannis Antetokounmpo
This will be an audio clip that is played for the next decade and will never lose its painful impact. To the surprise of no one, Arturas Karnisovas and the front office leadership group chose not to entertain any trade involving Antetokounmpo. Not only did they not gauge the price tag, float any offers that got rejected, or inquire about how much of a dent it would put in their assets, but they replied that they were uninterested and to move on. This one hurts as an entire fan base and gives the final stamp on Karnisovas's group. Could this turn into a catastrophic mistake classified as a fireable offense? As seen with Nico Harrison's trading away Luka Doncic, involving, or choosing not to be involved in, trades surrounding some of the game's best and most generational talent, could be a final straw.
.@LouCanellis is reporting that the Giannis Antetokounmpo inquired about coming to Chicago...but the #Bulls weren't interested.@leilarahimi & @mharrisonair listen and react to Lou break down the details.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) December 4, 2025
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Although the price would be steeper than any offer the franchise has ever made, this trade needed to be at least explored. At least from a popularity and relevancy standpoint, The Greek Freak would flip the organization's terrible decade into a celebration like no other. Why would they not at least bargain with the Milwaukee Bucks? This will surely close the book on the fans' last sliver of hope in AK and his team.
Turning Focus To AD, Other Stars
According to Canellis's report, Chicago remained firm on their own project. They immediately turned down the prospect of adding Antetokounmpo because they still believe in the current trajectory, want to stick with the script, and have faith in the future they are building. "They were not interested in breaking up their young core or changing course of direction," said Canellis. This is laughable. The team has not made the playoffs in four years, has one playoff win in nine seasons, and has not made it to an Eastern Conference Finals since 2011. They're pacing to miss the postseason again this year, and are 3-11 in their last 14 outings. Given the response that Chicago doesn't want to sacrifice the majority of its young core, a less expensive star such as Anthony Davis or Domantas Sabonis is now more likely to be the deal that will happen.
The Chicago Bulls have discussed trading for Anthony Davis, per @JamalCollier
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 1, 2025
“The Bulls have had internal discussions about how to proceed, including conversations about Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, sources told ESPN, whom they believe could help the team's porous rim… pic.twitter.com/XFLE72BJMn
The only choice now is to sit back and watch Karnisovas try to fix one of the most flawed rosters in the NBA in the next two months, and that solution will not involve Giannis Antetokounmpo.
