GKB President Craig Karmazin joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to react to the Milwaukee Bucks keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo past the NBA trade deadline, explaining why — despite months of speculation — this outcome still gives the organization its best possible path forward. 020626 JGC Hour 2 Karmazin is clear from the outset: the idea that Giannis was inevitably leaving was overblown. Keeping the franchise’s greatest player buys the Bucks time, flexibility, and optionality — even if the situation remains complicated. 🏀 Why Giannis staying is still a win Karmazin emphasizes what often gets lost in the noise: Giannis is still under contract He wants to be in Milwaukee He gives the Bucks their best chance to compete From his perspective, simply having Giannis healthy and on the roster immediately raises the team’s ceiling — both competitively and organizationally. 🏥 Health comes first One of Karmazin’s strongest points centers on Giannis’ calf injury. He argues the Bucks should: Prioritize Giannis’ long-term health Be willing to shut him down if doctors see elevated risk Avoid chasing a short-term play-in run at the cost of future seasons As Karmazin frames it, this is a rare scenario where both outcomes can be positive: If Giannis plays and they sneak into the postseason, great If he sits and the Bucks land a high lottery pick, that’s valuable too The only unacceptable outcome is a major injury. 🎯 Why the Bucks aren’t boxed in Karmazin pushes back on the idea that Milwaukee is out of options. He points out: The Bucks regain access to more draft picks this summer Expiring contracts can be used creatively John Horst has a proven history of finding unconventional solutions While the roster isn’t championship-ready today, Karmazin believes the Bucks can still manufacture another swing if they’re patient and realistic. 🧠 Giannis’ mindset matters Karmazin acknowledges Giannis’ stated desire to compete for championships — not just make the playoffs. That urgency, he says, is understandable. But it doesn’t automatically mean Giannis is gone. Historically, Giannis has: Let the front office work Evaluated results after the fact Signed extensions when he believed progress was real Karmazin believes the money — particularly the supermax difference — still matters, especially given Giannis’ background and long-term security mindset. ⚖️ The bottom line Craig Karmazin’s conclusion is measured but optimistic: Trading Giannis at the deadline would have been reactionary Keeping him preserves upside Protecting his health is non-negotiable The Bucks now have multiple paths — not just one Giannis staying isn’t the end of the story. But it’s the best place to be when the next chapter starts. 🎧 A calm, pragmatic, and big-picture conversation about Giannis, patience, and why sometimes the smartest move is not making one — with Craig Karmazin on Jen, Gabe & Chewy. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Craig Karmazin, Giannis staying in Milwaukee, Bucks trade deadline, Giannis injury, Bucks shutdown Giannis, Bucks draft pick, NBA deadline reaction, Bucks future, Wisconsin sports, ESPN Milwaukee, Jen Gabe and Chewy
