Milwaukee mayor reflects on Giannis, Portis impact beyond basketball after trade news
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - The possibility of the Bucks moving on from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis is bittersweet, according to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Johnson said he learned of the news the same way many fans did — through social media and news reports overnight.
While both players are known for their impact on the court, including helping bring Milwaukee an NBA championship in 2021, Johnson said their influence extends far beyond basketball.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson speaks to the media on his thoughts from the pending trade involving Bucks' star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.
For Giannis and his wife, Mariah, that impact includes their work with the Milwaukee Diaper Mission. Mariah Antetokounmpo has also served as a member of the organization's board.
Portis, meanwhile, has partnered with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin since 2022 and serves on the organization's board of directors.
Representatives from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin said Portis helped provide the equivalent of three million peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to families across Wisconsin.
They described Portis as “irreplaceable,” a sentiment Johnson said he understands.
"I think that's also part of the reason why people have such an affinity for the Milwaukee Bucks now is because over the course of the last number of years, they didn't just apply their craft on basketball, they did it in the community as well," said Johnson.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team's future, Johnson said he remains optimistic about the Deer District and the Bucks' ability to build another winning team.
Johnson also said it's too early to know whether Milwaukee could eventually honor Antetokounmpo with a street name or other recognition, but added that he would not be opposed to the idea.