Speculation has continued to swirl around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee after the Bucks’ inability to replicate their 2021 championship run. Many believe this could be his last year in Cream City, especially after reports surfaced that the Milwaukee Bucks explored trade talks with the New York Knicks during the offseason.
Still, for now, all of it remains speculation. What is certain is that with the 2025-26 NBA season just days away, the Greek Freak appears fully locked in, determined to guide the Bucks through another campaign.
Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks on the court before the start of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“We’re not the favorites, but we’re going to be a problem. We’re going to be dangerous. The team is set up in a way that is very, very dangerous,” Antetokounmpo made that clear during the Bucks’ open practice session at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
"We're going to be a problem. We're going to be dangerous." pic.twitter.com/DZ2KPrNjla
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 19, 2025
“We have a lot of shooting. We have a lot of playmakers and ball-handlers. We have a lot of defenders. We can switch. We have an incredible big that can space the floor and be a problem defensively.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo trusts the revamped Bucks
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) pauses before the start of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
When Damian Lillard went down with an Achilles injury during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, many assumed the upcoming season would be a lost cause for Milwaukee. Instead, the front office made a bold move by waiving Lillard through the stretch provision, freeing enough cap space to sign Myles Turner away from the Indiana Pacers, last season’s Eastern Conference champions.
Along with Turner, the Bucks strengthened their roster by bringing in veterans Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and Kevin Porter Jr. They also kept key pieces like AJ Green, Ryan Hollins, Gary Trent Jr., and Bobby Portis to surround Antetokounmpo with a balanced, dependable group.
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; The Milwaukee Bucks bench celebrates a three point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
It’s not the flashiest lineup in the league, but as Giannis mentioned, it’s capable of giving top contenders plenty to worry about. The challenge now is to stay healthy and stay committed to Doc Rivers’ system.
“We are set up exactly how you need to set up to make a statement. Now, our goal is Wednesday. After that, stay healthy. And after that, get to the playoffs, be in the playoffs, win a playoff series,” Antetokounmpo continued.