Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo surprised many by discussing the uncertainty around his future with the franchise. Despite heavy speculation about a possible mid-season trade, the two-time NBA MVP stayed with the Bucks through the recent trade deadline. In an interview with COSMOTE TV on Wednesday, Giannis addressed questions about his long-term plans in Milwaukee, emphasizing his current intention to remain but leaving the door open for change.
Antetokounmpo, who was drafted by the Bucks in 2013, said,
“I don’t know if I’ll leave — it’s not up to me. If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left,”
highlighting that the final decision may rest with the organization. He added that when he becomes a free agent in about a year and a half at 32 years old, he will be able to make that choice directly.
Contract Status and Trade Talks Surrounding Giannis
Giannis can negotiate a contract extension starting October 1, which could tie him to the Bucks until the 2030-31 season under a supermax deal. While he indicated a willingness to stay and win with Milwaukee, he acknowledged that the NBA operates as a business where circumstances can evolve. The Bucks explored potential trades involving Giannis before the 2026 deadline, engaging with several teams including the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves, but ultimately decided to retain their star player.
Clarifying Commitment Amid Rumors and Injury
Despite swirling trade rumors and uncertainty, Giannis put an end to any speculation about requesting a trade during a January 7 interview with The Athletic.
“There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment, that I will come out and say ‘I want a trade,’” he said. “That’s not … in … my … nature. OK?” – Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA Player
The Bucks currently hold a 23-30 record, positioned 12th in the Eastern Conference, and face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. Giannis remains sidelined with a calf injury, missing the past nine games, including the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Bucks’ season.
What Lies Ahead for Giannis and the Bucks?
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments reveal his conflicted feelings about his place in Milwaukee, reflecting the tension between loyalty and the evolving dynamics of the NBA. With the Bucks navigating a difficult season and key players injured, the franchise faces crucial decisions about its future direction. Giannis’s eligibility for a new extension this fall could either solidify his commitment or signal a shift in his career trajectory depending on what unfolds in the coming months.
Giannis says that if it were up to him, maybe he would’ve left Milwaukee by now
“I don’t know if I’ll leave — it’s not up to me. If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, it will be up to me.”
(Via COSMOTE TV,… pic.twitter.com/pW2FOsf1tH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 18, 2026
