Giannis Antetokounmpo remains open-minded about Bucks’ future

Jun 27, 2025 2:12 AM

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s approach to the 2025 offseason is becoming clearer as NBA free agency nears on June 30. The two-time MVP wants to give the Milwaukee Bucks a chance to retool their roster in hopes of returning to championship contention.

The Bucks haven’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs in the last three seasons, with their only series win since winning the title in 2021 coming in the first round of 2022 against the Chicago Bulls.

Injuries and roster limitations have played a major role in their early exits.

This summer poses more challenges for Milwaukee, especially with Damian Lillard expected to miss extended time and the team having limited trade assets.

Still, Antetokounmpo is giving the Bucks time to show how they can improve the roster before deciding on his long-term future.

“Giannis Antetokounmpo has been in Milwaukee for 12 years,” NBA insider Shams Charania said Thursday on ESPN’s Get Up.

“I reported during draft combine and lottery week that he was open-minded about seeing if there are better possible fits outside of Milwaukee. That is a due diligence process that he has undertaken – everyone around him has undertaken as well.”

Charania noted that despite exploring options, Giannis still values his long-standing relationship with the Bucks and wants to see what direction the team takes in free agency and beyond.

Milwaukee has key decisions ahead, including what to do with players like Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Kevin Porter Jr.

“There’s a level of equity in seeing what can the Bucks do at the draft, what can they do during free agency, how can they improve the team?” Charania added.

While some may expect a quick decision from Giannis, Charania emphasized that the process will likely stretch well into July.

“He’s going to remain open-minded. I don’t think his future is necessarily tied to this week, to free agency week,” he said.

“It’s going to be a process where you see how this team looks into July, well into July potentially, and then ultimately he will see how the Bucks look and how the chess pieces look across the league before reaching a resolution.”

Antetokounmpo still has two seasons left on his current deal, giving the Bucks more time and leverage than if he were closer to free agency.

However, the decisions made this offseason could determine whether he stays with the team long term or eventually seeks a move elsewhere.

“They don’t have the necessary tools because they have gone all-in multiple, multiple times, so you have to give that organization a lot of credit,” Charania said.

“Will the loyalty factor well, listen, if you’re staying this offseason for Giannis Antetokounmpo, you’re looking at yourself staying for the rest of your career. If you’re going to withstand this, you’re staying.”