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Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee remains uncertain, five weeks before the NBA's trade deadline.
The Bucks' longtime star made a dramatic return on Saturday from a calf injury, scoring 29 points and touching off a post-game controversy over a late dunk as he led Milwaukee to a 112-103 win over the Chicago Bulls.
That win may jolt the Bucks to life amid a difficult start to the season. Entering Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, the Bucks are 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 13-19 record -- and running out of time to convince Antetokounmpo that he can win another ring in Milwaukee.
MORE: NBA Fans React to Giannis' Viral Post After Bucks-Bulls Incident
Earlier this month, Antetokounmpo "went dark" on social media, in a move that was designed to "reduce his online presence," ESPN reported Monday.
In doing so though, Antetokounmpo sparked a tidal wave of speculation about his intentions as he removed nearly all Bucks content from his Instagram page.
It was a decision that the nine-time All-NBA selection made to restore some privacy for himself and for his family. But the Instagram blackout had something of a Streisand effect: more and more attention came Antetokounmpo's way, even if he wanted the opposite to happen.
Antetokounmpo though is not focusing on the trade speculation or what it means that he deleted Bucks content from his Instagram page. As he told reporters this month, the "moments that mean something" -- such as his viral "Checkmate" post upon winning the 2021 NBA Finals -- remain, which offers a glimpse into Antetokounmpo's drive to win a second championship.
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