"Don’t Ask Me That Question": Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Frustration Boils Over as He Snaps at Reporter Questioning His Bucks Loyalty Amid Trade Rumors

After missing eight straight games, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the floor Saturday night and helped the Milwaukee Bucks secure a 112-103 win over the red-hot Chicago Bulls.

Following the game, the Greek Freak was questioned about the trade speculation that followed him during his absence, rumors that intensified while he was sidelined with a right calf injury and amid reports of frustration over the Bucks’ struggles this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo took issue with the inquiry from ESPN’s Jamal Collier, pushing back forcefully and saying the question diminished his commitment and showed disrespect toward both him and the organization.

"I'm here,” Antetokounmpo said repeatedly. “Don't ask me that question. I'm here. It's disrespectful towards myself and my teammates. I wear that jersey every single day.

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“Disrespectful towards the organization, my coaching staff and all of the people that work hard for me to come out here and say 'I don't want to be here'. Don't ask me that question. I'm here, I'm putting on the jersey. And as long as I'm here I'm going to give everything I have, even in the last second of the game."

The two-time MVP logged 29 points and eight rebounds while playing just under 25 minutes in his return since Dec. 3, operating under a minutes restriction.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants Bucks to ‘wake up’

With the win Saturday night, Milwaukee improved its record to 13-19 after a rocky December that has seen the team win only four of its first 11 games this month.

Late in the contest, Giannis Antetokounmpo punctuated a fast break with a windmill dunk as Bulls defenders backed off, assuming the Bucks would simply let the clock expire.

Afterward, Antetokounmpo explained his mindset, saying the team is essentially fighting for survival.

“I've been 13 years in the league,” Antetokounmpo said (per Collier). “If we keep on losing, probably half of the team not going to be here. We're not going to make the playoffs. … And if (a windmill dunk) is what has to happen for everybody to wake up and understand we're fighting for our lives, so be it."

The Bucks sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, 1.5 games back of the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in position.

They wrap up a five-game road trip Monday against the Charlotte Hornets before closing December with a home matchup against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro