Giannis Antetokounmpo gets unexpected advice from NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal as trade rumors swirl around Milwaukee Bucks star
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s trade rumors continue to swirl around Giannis Antetokounmpo following another early playoff exit for the Milwaukee Bucks, one of basketball's biggest voices has stepped in.
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is offering the Greek superstar some sharp, unexpected advice as he is urging Antetokounmpo not to fall for the glitz of major-market franchises. With rumors linking Giannis to the Lakers and other contenders, O'Neal is reminding him that stardom doesn't require a zip code change.
Shaquille O'Neal steps in with honest advice to Giannis Antetokounmpo during the uncertain NBA offseason
Shaquille O'Neal joined the conversation on Good Word with Goodwill and pushed back against the idea that Giannis needs to leave Milwaukee for more fame or success.
Drawing from his own experience and today's digital era, Shaq shared that brand-building no longer depends on geography.
'I would tell him they're probably throwing in his face bigger market, doesn't matter. Social media is the market now,' O'Neal said, referring to the increased visibility players gain online rather than just from major cities like Los Angeles or New York.
Giannis, who has already built a global brand as the 'Greek Freak,' recently completed one of his best statistical seasons, but the Bucks fell short in the first round of the playoffs.
With Damian Lillard expected to miss significant time next season, speculation about Giannis' future has intensified among fans and analysts.
While franchises like the Lakers, Mavericks, Rockets, Spurs, and Raptors are reportedly eyeing the Bucks star, Shaq doesn't believe Giannis needs to chase a larger market to remain relevant or successful.
'Nobody cares what city you're in anymore. This ain't the 90s,' O'Neal bluntly stated, adding that players today can dominate headlines from any location thanks to their digital reach.
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Shaq also pointed out that stars like Nikola Jokic in Denver and Luka Doncic in Dallas have thrived without moving to 'glamour markets.' The 2025 NBA Finals, featuring Indiana and Oklahoma City, both small-market franchises, further proved that winning and visibility aren't tied to coastal cities.
Instead of leaving the franchise, Shaq suggests Giannis take control and influence Milwaukee's roster decisions.
'He should go upstairs and be like, I want to see all the free agents, I want all the phone numbers and I want to talk to them. He should bring people to help.'
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It's hard to debate Shaq in his argument about Giannis. Certainly, he has been the face of the Bucks and a standout star in the league. Of course, fans of the big franchises would want to see him wearing a different jersey, but for now, only the rumor mill is circulating online with no certainty of Giannis in the Bucks.
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