Giannis Antetokounmpo said he would remain with the Milwaukee Bucks if the organization can convince him it is capable of competing for a championship, the two-time MVP said during a rare phone interview Tuesday night while receiving treatment for a calf strain.
Antetokounmpo indicated he would commit to another season if the Bucks prove title viability this offseason. Milwaukee will have three tradable first-round picks available, including one that could land in the top 10, and a potential lottery jump could change his outlook.
“You’re saying that if they can convince me to stay within the team, and the next year that we can compete? Oh yeah, 1,000 percent,” Giannis said. “One million percent.”
For the first time in his 13-year career, Bucks general manager Jon Horst has begun listening to trade offers, as Milwaukee sits 19-29 and 12th in the East.
“Brother, if you ask me deep down what I want today, I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career,” Antetokounmpo said. “I want to win here … If you can tell me that’s possible, let’s just hang up the phone.”
The player expressed frustration with the team’s inconsistency, pointing to poor offensive and defensive rankings and a lack of cohesion compared to other contenders.
“I want to be here, but I want to be here to win, not fighting for my life to make the playoffs,” he said.
He also defended playing through injury against Denver on Jan. 23, despite advice to protect himself.
“That’s not me,” Antetokounmpo said. “I don’t quit.”
Acknowledging his shrinking championship window, Antetokounmpo stressed urgency as he enters his 30s.
“I feel like we’re running out of chances,” he said. “Father Time is undefeated.”
Antetokounmpo won his lone title in 2021 and becomes extension-eligible with Milwaukee on Oct. 1, 2026.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Expresses Preference To Stay With Bucks If They Return To Title Contention https://t.co/1DZNoLbYoM
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 4, 2026
