Going into NBA trade deadline earlier this month, there was no hotter name in rumors and speculation than Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Of course, this is nothing new. For years, national media pundits have been pushing their agenda that the two-time NBA MVP could (and in their view, should) demand a trade away from the Bucks.
Of course, Giannis, who was named an All-Star for the tenth time this season, was not traded at the deadline. Instead, he and Milwaukee will be working to salvage the season and try to improve their 23-30 record enough so that they can sneak into the NBA Playoffs.
Despite not being traded, there are and will continue to be rumors that the Greek Freak could be moved this summer. At this point, it is beyond time that Bucks fans just accept the reality that no one outside of their base wants Giannis to stay in Milwaukee, the league’s smallest market.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo reiterates loyalty to the organization
Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks the ball up court during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Over the course of the last few months, especially, the rumors surrounding Giannis have seemed more credible. Milwaukee’s struggles this season have only made them seem more believable. Additionally, his own words have, at times, been twisted by national analysts to fit their own agendas.
But when it comes down to it, Giannis has always publicly declared his love for and commitment to the Bucks organization. And he did so again during the NBA All-Star Break:
Giannis:
“As of today I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m committed to the people that I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, coach Doc and Jon in the front office…you will never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck. I am a winner and I’m extremely… pic.twitter.com/ihRNC7zw3q
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 15, 2026
“As of today I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m committed to the people that I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, coach Doc and Jon in the front office…you will never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck. I am a winner and I’m extremely loyal.
“Growing up you dream oh what if I played for the Knicks Madison Square Garden? What if I get drafted by the Lakers and now I’m teammates with Kobe, what if I go play for the Cavs and Lebron pass me the ball?
“If there were ever be a scenario of me not being a Milwaukee Buck no more I don’t want anybody to ever think like hey man I quit on my team because this is my team and I love it.”
Giannis saying “As of today” is nothing new. It is a phrase he has used a lot over the course of the season when asked about wanting to stay with the Bucks. And people have used that phrase to insinuate that there is a chance he will be traded.
In all honesty, that is exactly what it is. There are very few cases of major NBA stars playing with just one franchise for the entirety of their careers. It is completely reasonable for people to think Giannis could play elsewhere someday.
But someday is not here yet. It is still the 2025-26 NBA season, and Giannis is still a Buck. What is more, he is under contract with Milwaukee for next season and can sign another extension come October. The question, though, is if he will.
And that is a question that no one, perhaps not even Giannis, can answer right now. Many fans claim he can end all trade speculation by stating now that he will sign the extension in October. But while that may be true in their minds, the fact of the matter is that trade speculation surrounded him even after he won the NBA Championship in 2021.
The reality is that national media members and other fans will push Giannis trade rumors until he either is traded or retires.
So, for now, Bucks fans should enjoy having Giannis on the team and hope that “As of today” goes on for long time.
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