Kendrick Perkins is confident that Giannis Antetokounmpo will not finish the 2025–26 season in Milwaukee. On ESPN, Perkins said, via HoopsHype, “I’m about 100% sure… we will not see Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Bucks uniform by the end of this season.”
Perkins suggested that Giannis is giving the Bucks a private chance to make things work before exploring his options publicly. “I believe he’s giving the Bucks a private opportunity right now before he goes public,” Perkins added.
The former NBA champion noted that recent moves, like re-signing Giannis’ brother Thanasis, may have been motivated by desperation. “That was a signing of desperation—like, ‘Here, Giannis, we’re doing everything we possibly can to make you happy.’ But I believe it’s time,” Perkins said.
Giannis has long emphasized that winning a championship is his primary goal.
The New York Knicks had explored acquiring Giannis during an exclusive August negotiating window, according to Shams Charania on NBA Today. Multiple conversations took place between Knicks president Leon Rose and Bucks GM Jon Horst, but no deal materialized.
Charania reported that Milwaukee never seriously considered trading Antetokounmpo this summer. “The Bucks still believe [Giannis] is a guy that can help them right now win a championship,” he said, adding that a face-to-face meeting in Greece reassured Giannis of the team’s direction.
Despite the Knicks’ interest, Charania emphasized that their opportunity has passed. “For the Knicks’ exclusive window, that window has shut… if this ever comes about where Giannis Antetokounmpo starts considering his best external options, that window with the Knicks has closed,” he explained.
The Bucks’ roster has been bolstered with Myles Turner and additional role players after parting ways with Damian Lillard. Early-season performance will be pivotal as Giannis weighs his next steps. Charania noted, “Stakeholders within the Bucks organization know this is somewhat of a make-or-break season… it’s going to come down to wins and losses.”
