Giannis Antetokounmpo: Future in Milwaukee or New Direction?
From a room more than 6,000 miles away, Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared on a screen at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. It was September 29, Bucks media day, the first official gathering day before the start of training camp for the 2025-26 season. While his teammates answered questions, Antetokounmpo, affected by COVID the previous week, was still not authorized to travel. His voice, hoarse from recovery, connected to the session. Bucks television analyst Lisa Byington asked him how he felt. “Good,” he replied, smiling. “I look good on camera.” A temporary relief for a franchise that had experienced a tense summer. An hour earlier, Bucks governor Wes Edens justified the franchise’s bold move to extend Damian Lillard’s contract to free up salary space and sign Myles Turner, highlighting Antetokounmpo’s commitment to Milwaukee. Edens mentioned a conversation in June where Giannis reaffirmed his commitment. However, in the interview room, Antetokounmpo seemed surprised when questioned about that meeting, showing a disconnect that quickly went viral.This awkward situation marked an uncertain start to the season. A week later, conversations between the Bucks and the Knicks regarding Antetokounmpo were reported, although they did not progress. The player, for the first time, publicly admitted his interest in another franchise, setting a deadline for his decision. “I want to be in a situation where I can win,” Antetokounmpo declared. This statement opened the door to speculation. The Bucks, for their part, insist on being aligned with their star. Jon Horst, the general manager, has faced these types of questions since 2017, and has responded by reinforcing the team’s future. First, with the acquisition of Jrue Holiday in 2020, then with the transfer of Lillard in 2023 and finally, the arrival of Turner this summer. The strategy, although criticized, is seen internally as a basketball decision, seeking to maximize time with Antetokounmpo. However, the team faces a greater challenge, without an All-Star guard or forward for the first time since 2015-16. In the first game of the season, Antetokounmpo scored 37 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out 5 assists, with a high usage rate. In addition, Kevin Porter Jr.’s injury adds more pressure. The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial point for Milwaukee, as Antetokounmpo has two more years on his contract, with a player option for the last one. The player has drawn a fine line, maintaining his current dedication to the franchise, but leaving open the possibility of changing his mind. This situation puts considerable pressure on the Bucks for the 2025-26 season, who need to give Antetokounmpo reasons to stay. Horst can make moves to improve the squad, but time will tell if he will play those cards. Antetokounmpo is confident that the team is ready for success. “We are not the favorites, but we are going to be a problem,” he stated. “The team is set up in a way that is very, very dangerous. We have a lot of shooting, we have a lot of playmakers and ball handlers. We have a lot of defenders. We can switch. We have a great player who can open the court and be a problem on defense. We are set up exactly as needed to make a statement.” The Bucks won their first game of the season. The next goal, according to Antetokounmpo, is “to stay healthy and make the playoffs and try to win a playoff series”.“A meeting? Can you repeat that? Did I have a meeting with Wes?”
Giannis Antetokounmpo