NBA insider Brian Windhorst indicated on Wednesday, January 21, that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s tenure in Milwaukee may be nearing its end.
Windhorst said, “It’s almost like a couple that everybody in the league thinks is going to get divorced. They don’t know if they are going to get divorced by Easter or if they are going to get divorced by July 4, but in the league, the teams do believe this is gonna be a divorce.”
The 31-year-old is in the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension that includes a player option for the final season. Giannis is currently averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 29 games in 2025-26 while shooting 64.7% from the field.
Milwaukee sits at 18-24, 14th in the Eastern Conference, and is struggling to keep pace in the playoff race. Kevin Porter Jr. contributes 16.8 points and 7.4 assists per game, and Ryan Rollins adds 16.0 points per contest, but the Bucks have yet to find consistent support around their star.
Analysts point to Giannis’ age, contract structure, and Milwaukee’s position in the standings as potential factors in his decision. The player option gives him flexibility to test free agency or consider trades that could put him on a title-contending team.
The Bucks’ supporting cast includes Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner, each averaging double-digit scoring, but their combined impact has not been enough to elevate the team into the top eight in the East. Milwaukee also relies on A.J. Green’s 10.5 points per game and Gary Trent Jr.’s perimeter shooting to stretch defenses.
League executives reportedly believe the decision could come midseason or during the offseason. Teams with championship aspirations are monitoring the situation closely, understanding that a Giannis departure would reshape the landscape of the NBA.
