Spurs' Giannis Antetokounmpo dreams shattered by star's latest comment

The San Antonio Spurs have just about wrapped up their offseason after signing star De'Aaron Fox to a max extension. Even so, there have been rumblings that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo could still demand a trade, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

That could wreak havoc on the NBA offseason. The Spurs have likely put a potential Giannis trade on the back burner just in case he were to become available.

However, he just weighed in on his future with the team. Giannis seemingly confirmed his intention to finish out his career in Milwaukee during a fan interaction.

While that might have been an off-the-cuff response, it could also throw cold water on any plans San Antonio may have to make a play for him.

Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Spurs remains a pipe dream

Trading for Giannis may have always been far-fetched, but it was still an appealing option given his potential fit next to superstar Victor Wembanyama. Putting them together would be a nightmare for opposing teams on both sides of the ball and make the Spurs instant contenders.

Even so, it would've proven costly, with them possibly having to trade one of Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, plus at least a couple of first-round picks.

Or, perhaps De'Aaron Fox and three first-round picks. On one hand, the Spurs seem primed to make a big trade, with Vassell and Johnson combining to make $44.5 million next season. Add in Barnes, and that's up to $62 million in semi-expendable salary. That's all well and good, but now may not be the right time.

If Giannis isn't available, the Spurs must focus on bolstering their roster

If something big changes during the season, around the trade deadline, then the Spurs could and should reevaluate a run at Giannis.

That would also give the team time to see how their roster gels. It could prove to be for the best, with the roster hopefully being even better than expected, removing the need for a major trade.

That is the best-case scenario, with Fox and Wembanyama hopefully being the perfect one-two punch that can carry the team back into playoff contention. They will also still have their top young players and keep their assets intact, allowing them to steadily improve as their young players further develop.

The worst-case scenario is that the Spurs find themselves out of the playoff race early, with their lack of shooting keeping them around .500. That would be a massive disappointment and force further changes, just potentially not a trade for Giannis. Either way, San Antonio shouldn't count on him becoming available and should focus on improving their current roster.