The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing for the 2025-26 NBA season in hopes that this will be the year that they finally make it out of the first round of the NBA Playoffs and contend for another title. As fans are well aware, Milwaukee has been ousted in the first round in each of the last three years, though injuries to star players have played major roles in their shortcomings.
Still, the team’s failure to advance against the bottom-seeded teams of the Eastern Conference has led many to believe the nine-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the greatest players in franchise history, could request a trade away from the Bucks.
Indeed, there have been trade rumors and proposals involving Giannis concocted by the big-market media for years. Even when Milwaukee won the NBA Championship in 2021, many media members were going on record stating that the two-time NBA MVP could request a trade in order to go and win another one.
Giannis Antetokounmpo once again declares his loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This offseason’s trade rumors involving Giannis seemed more realistic in years past because of how big of a roster turnover the Bucks had. Damian Lillard, of course, was released and Brook Lopez was allowed to leave in free agency. Pat Connaughton, too, is now playing for a different team.
For his part, the Greek Freak has always said he wants to remain with the Bucks, but that he needs to feel like the franchise will compete for another title as he wants to win above anything else.
And while some may wonder if Milwaukee has truly done enough to make Giannis happy, the superstar forward just recently reiterated his loyalty to the Bucks franchise. While speaking on “The 2nite Show,” a major talk show in Greece, he said:
Giannis on “The 2night Show”: “I’m loyal. Milwaukee gave me everything, they changed my life and my family’s life. I want to live in the moment, I want to win another championship with the Bucks”. pic.twitter.com/Go7kaE333a
— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) October 13, 2025
“I’m loyal. Milwaukee gave me everything, they changed my life and my family’s life,” Giannis said. “I want to live in the moment, I want to win another championship with the Bucks”.
The fact of the matter is that, when it comes to Giannis and possibly leaving Milwaukee, nothing has changed. He does not want to. However, if the Bucks were to go through a rebuild, he would want to be traded so that he can try and win another title before he retires.
And, of course, the picks that Milwaukee would get in any potential Giannis trade would be a big part of that said rebuild.
All this being said, general manager Jon Horst has done a good job of building a roster around his superstar that keeps Giannis happy and believing in the Bucks’ chances.
Hopefully this year will be different than the last three seasons, and the trade talks can be put to bed.
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