In a powerful statement of loyalty, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has declared his intention to remain with the franchise for the entirety of his professional career, directly addressing and dismissing swirling trade speculation.
A Million Percent Commitment to Milwaukee
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player made his feelings unequivocally clear in an interview with The Athletic following his team's 120-113 defeat to the Golden State Warriors. Antetokounmpo, a nine-time All-Star, stated he considers himself a Buck for life, or for as long as the organisation desires his services.
"My plan is to be here for the rest of my career," Antetokounmpo asserted. "If they don't want me ... I'm not the one in charge. I am an employee." He emphasised his current focus, saying, "Today, I am committed -- not 100 percent, but 1 million percent to my teammates, to my craft, to this team and to this city."
Silencing the Off-Season Whisper
These comments come after a summer filled with persistent rumours, primarily linking the 31-year-old forward to a potential blockbuster move to the New York Knicks. The speculation continued into the early part of the 2025-26 NBA season, creating uncertainty around the franchise cornerstone now in his 13th season with the Bucks.
However, Antetokounmpo firmly shut down any notion that he would seek an exit. "There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment that I will come out and say, 'I want a trade,'" he told the publication. "That's not in my nature." This aligns with an ESPN report from last month indicating the Bucks' plan is to build a supporting cast around him rather than entertain trade offers.
Focus on Turning the Season Around
Antetokounmpo's immediate concern is the Bucks' current underwhelming position in the Eastern Conference standings. The team holds an 11th-place record of 16-21, sitting one game behind the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in tournament spot. This is a stark reality for a franchise that celebrated an NBA championship in 2021 but has since faced early playoff exits, including three first-round departures.
"I am not [going anywhere]," Antetokounmpo reiterated. "I am invested in this team. I want to turn this team around." He pointed to recent form, with the Bucks going 4-2 in their last six games, as a reason for optimism. His personal performance, when healthy, remains elite with averages of 29.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 23 games this season, though injuries have been a limiting factor.
The narrative around his future will face a key test this coming fall. Antetokounmpo becomes eligible for a massive four-year, $275 million contract extension on October 1, and he holds a player option to leave his current deal in the summer of 2027. For now, the 'Greek Freak' has sent a resounding message of his dedication to the city and team that drafted him, aiming to lead the Bucks back into championship contention.
