Inside the Giannis-Bucks Breakup: 'It Feels Like a Funeral'

ESPN published a devastating deep dive into the fractured relationship between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks — and it's worse than anyone thought. Multiple sources describe the locker room atmosphere as 'feeling like a funeral' all season long.

Giannis and his representation told the Bucks it was time to part ways at least twice during the season. The franchise went just 17-19 with him in the lineup and was eliminated from playoff contention in late March — ending a decade-long postseason streak. A public disagreement over a knee injury in March is now under NBA investigation, adding another layer of dysfunction.

The Bucks' highest levels of ownership have accepted that trading Giannis this offseason is a reality. He revealed in an interview that the Knicks are the only team he'd want to go to. The Heat made a deadline offer centered on Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and multiple picks, but Milwaukee held off hoping for a better summer package. Meanwhile, Doc Rivers told players to 'Google me' in a locker room meeting — which went over about as well as you'd expect on a 30-46 team.