Giannis Reportedly Hasn't Changed Plan amid Trade Rumors, Portis Contract a 'Big Step'

The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping to keep star Giannis Antetokounmpo from requesting a trade this offseason, and they reportedly made a move this week that helps their case.

The Bucks re-signed Bobby Portis, which was a "big step" for the team and Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Still, Charania reported that Antetokounmpo has not changed his mind about being open to a trade.

"Bobby Portis re-signing was a big step for the Bucks, and for Giannis Antetokounmpo," Charania said during the ESPN's NBA Free Agency Special. "That is one player that he definitely wanted to see back with him. But listen, he is monitoring all the moves that they're making, not only in the draft week, now that we're in free agency week... It's still wait and see. I reported it out of draft combine week that Giannis Antetokounmpo was open-minded about whether his best fit was in Milwaukee or elsewhere. I have not felt a shift from that mentality. But still, we're not even in July yet."

Charania reported in May that Antetokounmpo "has not made any firm decisions on his Bucks future" but "is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere."

Since the initial report regarding Antetokounmpo's open-mindedness regarding a trade, the Bucks have seemingly taken steps towards appeasing the former MVP. ESPN's Bobby Marks reported earlier this month that the team was "aggressively exploring options in free agency and trades to complement Antetokounmpo."

Charania reported during the NBA draft that Antetokounmpo was paying close attention to the moves the Bucks were making this offseason.

"I'm told Giannis Antetokounmpo is closely observing the Bucks' draft here tonight and then free agency next week and what moves can this organization make to elevate the team," Charania said last week on ESPN's NBA draft broadcast.

Milwaukee hasn't made any major moves just yet, but bringing back Portis, a player Antetokounmpo is clearly fond of, could bode well for the Bucks.

But while Milwaukee signed Portis on Monday, it also lost a mainstay of its roster over the past few years. Brook Lopez signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, ending his seven-year run with the team. Whether Lopez's exit will influence Antetokounmpo's decision remains to be seen.

Monday was the start of free agency, and the Bucks will look to use the next few weeks to bolster the roster in hopes of keeping Antetokounmpo around, but his decision might take a while. Charania reported last week that Antetokounmpo could be traded "later in the summer" as he mulls over the changes to the team this offseason.