Giannis Antetokounmpo, Warriors
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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks stands on the side of the court during their game Golden State Warriors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finally addressed the swirling trade speculation surrounding his future as the Golden State Warriors and several other contenders aggressively pursue a blockbuster deal and the Milwaukee Bucks continue to listen and evaluate offers.
Speaking Tuesday with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Antetokounmpo delivered an emotional and deeply personal affirmation of his bond with Milwaukee—one that underscored both loyalty and urgency as the Bucks face mounting pressure to chart a championship path.
Giannis Reaffirms Loyalty to Milwaukee Amid Trade Rumors
“What I want deep down in my heart is I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career and win here,” Antetokounmpo said. “I got married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And also, legally, from the courthouse. And also, I’ve had my kids here. My father is buried here. When I open the passport of my kids and it says born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my dad is buried here, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”
The two-time NBA MVP, who delivered Milwaukee its first championship in 50 years with the 2021 title run, pushed back forcefully against claims that he lacks commitment to the franchise amid ongoing trade chatter.
“So people have the audacity to come tell me and say, ‘This guy really doesn’t love Milwaukee.’ I don’t love Milwaukee?” Antetokounmpo said. “The people of the city know how much I love them. This city has let me be myself—let me be a father, let me be a husband, let me be my own true self.”
Bucks Still Hopeful as Front Office Keeps Dialogue Open
Despite the intensifying speculation, the Bucks remain reluctant to move the face of their franchise. NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday that Milwaukee is clinging to a narrow window of optimism.
“League sources say that the Bucks—who deep down would still prefer not to trade their Face of the Franchise—believe that a bolt of lottery luck in May could still keep alive Milwaukee’s dream of convincing Antetokounmpo to extend the relationship one more time,” Stein wrote in The Stein Line.
Antetokounmpo confirmed that communication with the front office remains active and respectful, signaling that while he has not closed any doors, patience is wearing thin.
“I always listen,” he told Owczarski when asked about the organization’s ability to build a contender around him. “That’s why I’m still here. I always listen and trust. But how many chances do I have left to win a championship? You gotta be more careful and more urgent in every decision you make moving forward.”
Antetokounmpo emphasized his enduring respect for general manager Jon Horst and ownership, stressing that his stance has not changed since day one.
“But at the end of the day, you gotta look,” Antetokounmpo said.
Warriors Aggressively Enter Giannis Sweepstakes
Giannis to Warriors, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Warriors trade
GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks slap hands after the Warriors defeated the Bucks 104-93 at Chase Center on March 18, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
That moment of reflection has only amplified interest from rival franchises—most notably the Warriors, who are widely believed to be operating with an all-in mindset.
Multiple reports indicate the Warriors have made nearly everyone available in discussions except Stephen Curry, including longtime cornerstone Draymond Green. The willingness to entertain such drastic measures underscores Golden State’s belief that Antetokounmpo represents a rare, franchise-altering opportunity.
Green himself addressed the uncertainty following Tuesday’s 113-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, speaking candidly about the possibility that his run with the Warriors could be nearing its end.
“I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half, but if it does, what a [expletive] run it’s been,” Green said. “I’ll take the fine for it. What a [expletive] run it’s been. I’m blessed. I’m lucky. Grateful. My family has not had to move anywhere since I started my family. That’s incredible. I don’t take that for granted.”
A Franchise-Defining Decision Looms
For the Warriors, the pursuit of Antetokounmpo reflects both ambition and urgency as they attempt to maximize Curry’s remaining prime years. For the Bucks, the stakes are existential: either convince their generational star that another title run is possible in Milwaukee—or pivot toward a future-defining trade that could reshape the league.
Antetokounmpo’s words offered clarity without closure. His heart remains in Milwaukee. His patience, however, is finite. And as the Warriors push harder, the NBA’s most consequential decision inches closer.