The Athletic NBA Daily: “Will Giannis Stay in Milwaukee?”
Date: January 9, 2026
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita
Guest: Sam Amick (The Athletic)
Overview
This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily dives into the turbulence of NBA trade season, focusing on recent notable games, the Indiana Pacers’ dramatic end to a losing streak, and in-depth trade discussions. Central to the episode is an extended conversation with Sam Amick about the futures of Giannis Antetokounmpo and other NBA stars, providing listeners with exclusive insights into Giannis’s intentions regarding his Milwaukee tenure.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers Recap
Segment Start: [01:45]
- The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their stellar run, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 131–122.
- Timberwolves are now 15–5 since Thanksgiving.
- Julius Randle delivered a “number two guy” performance with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, maximizing the offensive pairing with Anthony Edwards.
- “The way that they're able to use Anthony Edwards off of Julius Randle, we get to see that against top-level defense…” – Dave ([03:17])
- Four Timberwolves scored at least 20 points; only Donovan Mitchell matched that for the Cavs.
- Zena highlighted the Cavs’ defensive struggles—particularly from Darius Garland—and praised Minnesota’s three-point shooting (20 made to Cleveland’s 11).
- “They have got to get that defense together. They look soft… they got to toughen up a little bit.” – Zena ([05:07])
2. Pacers Snap 13-Game Losing Streak Against Hornets
Segment Start: [05:13]
- Indiana Pacers claimed a close two-point victory over Charlotte Hornets, ending the longest losing streak in their franchise history.
- T.J. McConnell sealed the game with a clutch inbound steal.
- Pacers missing key players (Miles Turner, Andrew Nembhard) but showed resilience.
- LaMelo Ball shined for Charlotte with 33 off the bench, though a crucial late-game turnover helped Indiana claim victory. Dave and Zena discussed LaMelo’s mix of fearlessness and growing maturity.
- “[LaMelo] is so fun to watch because he’s fearless…as he matures, I hope he doesn’t reign that in–don’t lose your dinosaur, LaMelo.” – Dave ([07:03])
- Dave critiqued LaMelo’s decision-making late, wishing he’d attacked the rim rather than passing on a potential game-tying possession.
- “I would have rather seen Lamelo kind of force, force the play at the basket.” – Dave ([09:13])
Notable Segment: Philsophical Question About Star Scoring
- Zena asks if you'd rather have a star player score 40 in three quarters then go cold, or 20 spread evenly all game.
- Dave: “I just want to win. If I get 40 and I don’t score in the fourth because we’re winning, ok, I’ll take the 40.” ([09:13])
3. Bulls vs. Heat Game Postponed
Segment Start: [11:43]
- Game canceled due to condensation on the court at Chicago’s United Center (hockey rink conversion issues), highlighted as an unusual occurrence by the hosts.
- Zena provided a local weather report: “I showed up to Chicago in my full parka thinking it was freezing cold and it’s warmer here than in the Bay.” ([11:43])
Main Feature: Trade Season Update & Giannis’s Future
4. Trey Young Deal to Wizards / Trade Season Kicks Off
Segment Start: [13:34]
- Trey Young traded from Hawks to Wizards.
- Sam Amick explains Atlanta’s issues—roster construction, injuries, and mixed results with and without Young.
- “When Trey comes back from injury, they go 0–5 with him. They were 13–9 without him. It was the final straw.” – Sam ([14:40])
- Hawks were frustrated by post-injury performance and Young’s contract situation.
- Wizards intend to retain Trey but are preserving their pick by not rushing him back from injury.
- Emotional component: Trey’s connection with former Hawks exec Travis Schlenk, now part of the Wizards front office.
5. Will Giannis Stay in Milwaukee?
Segment Start: [17:52]
- Dave brings up Sam’s recent in-depth interview with Giannis Antetokounmpo, strongly suggesting Giannis intends to remain with the Bucks.
- “It was very important that he wanted to get the point across to you that he is locked into Milwaukee.” – Dave ([18:32])
- Sam describes his experience meeting Giannis post-game. He highlights the Greek Freak’s commitment, as both Doc Rivers and Bucks insiders describe Giannis’s engagement and leadership.
- Giannis, even after a late night, prioritized finishing his interview with Sam, with the team bus literally waiting.
- “He made that clear… two different times he used the expression, ‘that is not in my nature.’ It was the one quote about, ‘I will never ask for a trade,’ but it was also, ‘I will never quit on my team.’” – Sam ([22:03])
- Sam and Dave agree: barring an extreme change of heart, Giannis will not request a trade, nor will the Bucks move him before this season’s deadline.
- “If [Giannis] ultimately decides that he is ready to do something different… he does not need to ask for a trade.” – Sam ([20:40])
- The Bucks’ focus: still seeking roster upgrades, kicking the tires on options but not rushing moves.
Notable Quotes from Giannis/Discussion
- “I will never ask for a trade… I will never quit on my team. That is not in my nature.” – (Giannis, relayed by Sam, [22:03])
- “I do not see it happening before the deadline… I would be shocked at this point if something happens before the deadline” – Sam ([21:59])
6. Anthony Davis Rumors & Trade Market Dominoes
Segment Start: [22:39]
- Rumors of Milwaukee making a run at Anthony Davis considered very unlikely.
- “They did look into it… for now, I have been told it’s very, very, very unlikely.” – Sam ([22:50])
- Atlanta and Toronto seen as most aggressive suitors for AD.
- Dallas Mavericks, Warriors also mentioned as possible—each with its own complications (i.e., salary, unwillingness to part with core pieces).
- Potential for “domino effect” in trade market driven by these star moves.
7. Surprise Names to Watch at Trade Deadline
Segment Start: [25:30]
- Teams probing availability of Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III (high cost), Herb Jones (essentially untouchable), and Zion Williamson.
- “Of all the big names that you felt like were gettable… where are we at with Zion Williamson?” – Sam ([26:53])
- New Orleans' developing young core could make veterans uneasy, similar to situation in Philadelphia with Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Giannis’s Character:
- “He’s not somebody who’s just kind of an empty suit.” – Sam ([20:09])
- “If he’s not gonna [request a trade or quit], which he made it crystal clear that he’s not, then the Bucks are not incentivized to move him.” – Sam ([22:03])
- On Trade Philosophy:
- “This is why, you know, you know who’s the perfect player for this is Kevin Durant. Because Kevin Durant is going to get seven points in a quarter every quarter for the rest of his basketball career.” – Dave ([09:13])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Timberwolves vs Cavs Recap: [01:45] – [05:13]
- Pacers Snap Losing Streak: [05:13] – [11:43]
- Bulls-Heat Postponement: [11:43] – [12:24]
- Trade Season & Trey Young Analysis: [13:34] – [17:52]
- Giannis Interview & Milwaukee Commitment: [17:52] – [22:39]
- Anthony Davis and the Trade Dominoes: [22:39] – [25:30]
- Surprise Names & Deadline Speculation: [25:30] – [28:14]
Summary
This episode delivers a fast-paced blend of NBA on-court recaps and inside-baseball reporting, climaxing with a strong assurance—sourced directly through Sam Amick’s reporting—that Giannis Antetokounmpo is not leaving Milwaukee this season. The hosts and guest dissect the reasoning behind major recent trades, rumor mill churn, and the subtle power structures at play in the NBA’s shifting landscape. Anyone worried about Giannis’s future in Milwaukee—or the headline trades that could shake up the league—will find this episode essential.
Recommendation:
- For Bucks fans: Read Sam Amick’s Giannis interview at The Athletic for the full context and reassurance.
- For trade-watchers: Keep eyes on Atlanta, Toronto, New Orleans, and surprise situations involving star forwards as the deadline nears.
Tone and Language:
Conversational, direct, and a touch irreverent—typical for NBA Daily. Technical when needed, but always fan-accessible.
Speaker Attribution:
- Dave DuFour (Host): B
- Zena Keita (Co-host): D
- Sam Amick (Guest): E