Questions about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks future have intensified following Milwaukee’s first-round elimination in the 2024-25 NBA playoffs. Speculation has grown, with the New York Knicks emerging as a leading contender for acquiring the Greek star. The 2021 NBA champion recently appeared on YouTuber IShowSpeed’s livestream, where he subtly suggested that his future with Milwaukee is uncertain ahead of the upcoming season.
During the conversation broadcast by NBA Central on X, IShowSpeed asked about Antetokounmpo’s potential trade to major market teams including those in Los Angeles and New York.
“A lot of people are trying to convince me to go there [New York Knicks],” Antetokounmpo said.
Asked directly if he plans to remain with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo responded with cautious optimism:
“Probably. Probably. We’ll see. I love Milwaukee.”
Several NBA Teams Poised to Capitalize on Giannis’s Tentative Outlook
In recent weeks, trade rumors involving Antetokounmpo have been widespread. Teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and notably the New York Knicks, are all frequently mentioned as possible destinations should he decide to depart Milwaukee. Despite the uncertainty, Antetokounmpo’s achievements with the Bucks are undeniable.
He secured the NBA championship and Finals MVP in 2021 and has earned two regular-season MVP awards alongside a Defensive Player of the Year title while with Milwaukee. His contributions have arguably cemented his status as the franchise’s greatest player. Though his decision looms, Bucks fans are likely to respect his choice, given his pivotal role in their success.
The years following the title victory have seen Milwaukee struggle in the playoffs, with first-round exits in three consecutive seasons and a second-round loss immediately after their championship season. In this context, Antetokounmpo’s comments have garnered extra attention, especially in light of his previous statements about European players thriving in large-market teams after Luka Doncic’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Insider Highlights Increased Openness from Giannis Regarding Possible Departure
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s hesitant remarks have encouraged at least five or six NBA teams to intensify their efforts to sign him. He has remained focused on his legacy in Milwaukee, demonstrating patience despite postseason setbacks. Nevertheless, his recent slip indicates a potential shift in mindset.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst offered insight on this development during the “Get Up” show, observing that Antetokounmpo’s “probably” and “we’ll see” answer is what several interested teams are banking on to keep their trade hopes alive.
“The thing about it is, is he didn’t give a definitive answer,” Windhorst said on “Get Up” on Thursday. “And I’m certainly not going to analyze something he said seaside in Greece, but what I will say is the ‘We’ll see.’ That is essentially what about five or six NBA teams banking on: the ‘We’ll see.’
“And I know it sounds trivial but for years Giannis was completely locked in. Him saying ‘We’ll see’ backs up what Shams [Charania] has been saying this entire summer, which is that he might be more open-minded than he was in the past. And I would say the same thing, ‘Probably Milwaukee, but we’ll see.’ And now I can quote Giannis on that, thank you very much.”
The uncertainty around Antetokounmpo’s future clearly has the potential to reshape the balance of power across the league, depending on whether he chooses to continue his legacy in Milwaukee or seek new opportunities in a different market. As the offseason progresses, the basketball world will watch closely for signs of his next destination.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo 7/0?
A. Giannis Sina Ougko Ugo Antetokounmpo, born on December 6, 1994, plays professional basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Standing 7 feet tall, he’s known as the “Greek Freak” because of his unique mix of size, speed, and ball-handling ability.