One of the biggest stories of the NBA offseason has been the question of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. While the nine-time All-Star has never explicitly said he wants to be traded, many NBA analysts and fans have theorized that he may request a trade away from Milwaukee due to the Bucks’ three consecutive first round postseason exits.
Actually, everything Giannis has ever said publicly, and all he has reportedly said privately, would seem to indicate that he has no intention of leaving Milwaukee. Just this past February, he told reporters that he is “not the kind of guy” who would ask for a trade.
And while that does not mean will never leave in free agency, it absolutely would seem to indicate that he is dedicated to the Bucks for at least the next two seasons, and a third year if he picks up the player option in his current contract.
What is more, statements that the two-time NBA MVP recently made also should shoot down any trade rumors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Says He Will “Probably” Stay with the Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks
Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
During a recent appearance on “iShowSpeed,” Giannis was asked directly if he was going to stay with the Bucks. He answered, “Probably, probably. We’ll see. Probably. I love Milwaukee.”
While the answer that he gave may not be considered “definitive” by any means, it does indicate what many Bucks fans have been believed all offseason to be true: he is not going anywhere.
The fact of the matter is that there is no Eastern Conference team that has a clear path to representing the East in the NBA Finals. With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers each dealing with injured stars, and with the NBA in general in the midst of an era of great parody, Giannis has just as good of a chance of winning another NBA Championship with Milwaukee as he does anywhere else.
What many who want to see Giannis request a trade fail to realize (or choose to ignore) is that the Bucks would require a staggering price for one of the greatest players in NBA history. Any team that would acquire him would have to send several of their best players and multiple first round draft picks to Milwaukee, putting Giannis in a position not too different from the one he is currently in with the Bucks.
So, why leave?
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