The league’s landscape could change significantly with the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo seemingly destined to part ways. An NBA Insider broke down why the former two-time MVP wants to leave the franchise he has played his whole career with.
What is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reason for wanting to leave?
The Bucks have been plagued with rumors regarding Antetokounmpo’s departure before, and this nightmare scenario appears to be closer to coming true. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the superstar forward and his agent have already discussed his future with the front office.
This is the closest the Bucks and their franchise player have come to splitting up, and Brian Windhorst divulged what prompted this decision from Antetokounmpo.
According to Windhorst, one main reason for this is the front office’s decision to waive Damian Lillard. However, the failure to assemble a winning roster around him after that move also weighs heavily on his impending decision.
“He couldn’t have been more clear about where he felt about the Bucks roster,” Windhorst said. “If the Bucks have come out and gotten off to a 15-5 start, they could have changed his mind. They are 9-13, they are 1-5 when he doesn’t play, they are .500 when he does play. What else do you need to see? He does not have a championship roster right now.”
Windy:
“Teams have been thinking about Giannis potentially being on the trade market for over a year…Giannis saw that move (Dame being waived) and then was interested in being a Knick. He couldn’t have been more clear about where he felt about the Bucks roster” pic.twitter.com/5ABVpoB4FA
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) December 3, 2025
If he officially requests a trade, Antetokounmpo will become the most desired asset this season. However, only a few teams will have a realistic chance at acquiring him. Not only does he have a hefty three-year, $175 million contract, but the Bucks will also likely demand a king’s ransom for him.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo Landing Spots: 4 Trade Destinations for the Bucks Superstar Amid Latest Rumors
Additionally, there’s the question of where he wants to play. According to Charania, the Knicks are his only preferred destination. In fact, the two teams had discussions regarding Antetokounmpo this past offseason.
One advantage that a team has in trading for Antetokounmpo is that he’s only in the first year of his contract. While he does have a player option in the third year, this still provides potential landing spots for them to convince him to remain until the end of the 2026-27 season.
