Giannis Antetokounmpo confirmed his priority is winning another NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks, saying, “The most important thing I want to win a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks and if that’s not on the table or in the plans, that’s when you kind of like okay maybe I got pivot because I really want to win.”
The two-time MVP is producing at an elite level this season despite the Bucks’ struggles. Milwaukee sits 12th in the Eastern Conference at 23-30, while Antetokounmpo averages 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 30 games, shooting 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range.
The forward is in the first year of a three-year, $175 million contract that includes a player option for the final year. He is also eligible this October for a four-year extension worth up to $275 million, offering Milwaukee a potential pathway to retain him long-term.
Despite interest around the league, the Bucks did not complete any trades before the February 5 deadline. Shams Charania reported on NBA Today that “they were engaged but they never progressed even really close with Giannis Antetokounmpo and any other team.”
Bobby Marks added context, noting Milwaukee’s approach was exploratory: “The intention of Milwaukee was to see what was out there. Write it down and put it away until June and July. But the teams I talked to, they just never felt there would be a deal that would materialize.”
Antetokounmpo also signaled public alignment with Milwaukee after the deadline, posting a clip from The Wolf of Wall Street with the caption, “Legends don’t chase. They attract.”
Any trade for the Greek forward would require a historic return, as Milwaukee previously indicated multiple first-round picks and young assets would be necessary. Rival teams including Golden State, Minnesota, Miami, and New York monitored the situation before the deadline, highlighting the challenge of acquiring him.
For now, Giannis remains focused on winning with Milwaukee, keeping the Bucks’ championship hopes alive while leaving the door open to future moves if a title opportunity is not attainable.
