The Milwaukee Bucks, for the first time since October, have won back-to-back games. It is no coincidence that these victories happened in the first two games in which Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a calf strain. During his absence, which last eight games, the Bucks were 2-6.
Of course, Milwaukee’s struggles during Giannis’ absence only intensified rumors that the two-time NBA MVP would request a trade away from the Bucks. The rumors, as fans know, have persisted for years, but this year seemingly have more steam this season because of Milwaukee’s recent playoff struggles and their slow start.
And while Giannis has said all the right things in the past, he has been rather cryptic this year and fans are beginning to wonder if his time with the Bucks might actually come to an end.
Milwaukee Bucks fans are not thrilled with the comments Giannis Antetokounmpo made after the Hornets game
Dec 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives past Moussa Diabate (14) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
On Monday, the Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, winning their second game in a row for the first time since October. After the contest, Giannis spoke to reporters and said a lot of great things about the team. However, one thing he said has rubbed the Milwaukee faithful the wrong way:
“As long as I’m here, as long as I’m healthy, I’m just going to keep helping the team and talking to them.”
Fans, as one might imagined, focused on the “As long as I am here,” portion of his statement:
“as long as I’m here”
Notice he never uses language like “I’m not going anywhere”… Anymore https://t.co/fz2zI1pdU0
— WolfMan (@x_WolfMan_41) December 30, 2025
Saying the right things of course here even with the added “as long as I’m here” as he has to keep it somewhat open-ended as he’s applying pressure to the organization to improve the team.
They’re attacking this lighter stretch of games well actually winning but it’s going to… https://t.co/z2ACuVYnES
— Ben Sig (@sig_50) December 30, 2025
Please lets just get this over with…Favre…ARod…
— Knine🏁🦌 N 6 🏆 (🦌 🧀 ) (@Kninemusic) December 30, 2025
Don’t like the “as long as I am here”. Not necessary
— Bucky BrewPack (@Kinger112611) December 30, 2025
In the past, Giannis has been adamant that his desire is to stay in Milwaukee for the totality of his career. In recent months, though, he has not been saying such things, instead opting for vague statements like the one Bucks fans have focused on.
The NBA trade deadline is February 5, and even if Giannis remains in Milwaukee this season, there will certainly be more speculation regarding his future during the offseason.
That being said, it is worth noting he is eligible to sign what could be the most lucrative extension in NBA history, but only with the Bucks, in October of 2026.
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