Nets thrashed by Bucks as they get a Giannis Antetokounmpo reminder

For years, the Nets assiduously collected assets to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo in case he ever became available.

But the superstar decided he’s staying in Milwaukee for now, and that if he did leave he’d reportedly prefer to contend in Manhattan than build in Brooklyn.

Saturday was a reminder of just how far away the Nets were from landing Antetokounmpo, or are from having a contender that could lure him.

The Nets suffered a 116-99 thrashing at the hands of Antetokounmpo and his Bucks before 16,396 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo goes up for a layup during the Nets’ 116-99 blowout road loss to the Bucks’ Nov. 29, 2025. Imagn Images

It was a one-sided beating befitting the gap between a tanking Brooklyn team playing without Michael Porter Jr., Cam Thomas and Egor