The Milwaukee Bucks enter this season surrounded by uncertainty, and none of the questions loom larger than Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future with the team. For now, Antetokounmpo appears committed to staying in Milwaukee, but he’s made it clear that his stance could shift depending on how the team performs as the season unfolds.
The only sure way for Milwaukee to keep Antetokounmpo around is by winning games. However, Nick Young has tossed out a different idea for how the Bucks might convince him to stay put.
Dec 18, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Nick Young (34) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
“I think the East is wide open. Giannis is the best player in the East. It’ll be hard to stop him. You need to keep him happy. I’d get all his brothers. Get the whole family,” Nick Young said during his appearance in Gil’s Arena.
“You can only do so much with your ability and talent… the organization has to want to spend and have the same vision of winning.”
Gil explains how Giannis putting pressure on the Bucks’ front office has kept them relevant 💯 pic.twitter.com/JO2JqIboFW
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) October 15, 2025
Interestingly, the Bucks have already gone down that path. They re-signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo to a one-year deal earlier in the offseason and later added Alex Antetokounmpo on a two-way contract. With those moves, Milwaukee made NBA history by becoming the first team to have three brothers on the same roster simultaneously.
That move alone won’t secure Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks, especially if the team struggles to win. Even so, it feels like the Bucks are making a genuine effort to show their star player how much they value him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks
Oct 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) prays before the first half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the Bucks has been a major talking point in recent months, and the two-time MVP has spoken candidly about the trade speculation that’s surrounded him for a while.
Of course, there were many questions about the latest trade rumors that involved them, and the Giannis Antetokounmpo assured fans that he is here, and he is here to win.
"I've always wanted to be in Milwaukee, always wanted to represent the city, you know, as long as we have opportunity to win. And I feel like we have opportunity to win … So I'm here, Milwaukee Bucks, I'm here baby."
-Giannis Antetokounmpo, todayhttps://t.co/mcR28B3BAU
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) October 8, 2025
“I’ve always wanted to be in Milwaukee, always wanted to represent the city, you know, as long as we have opportunity to win,: Giannis said via Ti Windisch. “And I feel like we have opportunity to win … So I’m here, Milwaukee Bucks, I’m here baby.”
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
However, he admitted that his stance could shift in a few months if the Bucks fail to stay competitive. Winning remains his top priority, and he wants to be part of a team that can help him achieve that.
The good news for Milwaukee is that the Eastern Conference is wide open, giving the Bucks a real opportunity to contend. If they can put together a strong playoff push, those trade rumors might finally quiet down.