Milwaukee Bucks franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo watched from the sidelines as the team was officially eliminated from the playoff race following a blowout home loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The loss ended the franchise’s run of nine consecutive playoff appearances, and now the primary focus is whether Antetokounmpo will ever play for the Bucks again. Antetokounmpo’s teammate Bobby Portis offered a strong take on the situation.
What Bobby Portis Said About Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future in Milwaukee
Portis was a guest on the “Run It Back Podcast” and discussed Antetokounmpo’s future.
The Bucks forward said, “It’s right in the middle man, that’s just me personally. Uh, you know, our goal is to win championships, not just to make the playoffs or Play-In. I know they’ll try to revamp the roster, put new guys around him. It’ll come down to Giannis if he really wants to be here or not. I think he has to make that decision sooner than later, than having the dark clouds always around.”
Portis believes there’s a legitimate chance Antetokounmpo finds a new home this summer, as things continue to become complicated. Antetokounmpo is currently out of action while rehabbing a hyperextended left knee, but intends to play as soon as he’s cleared.
Bobby Portis on Giannis’ future in Milwaukee:
“Ultimately, it’ll come down to Giannis if he really wants to be here or not. He has to make that decision sooner than later… there’s dark clouds always around.”@BPortistime | @MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/LoYNfvsszN
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 30, 2026
However, his determination to play now stands in contrast to the organization wanting to prioritize the offseason, to the point that the NBPA has publicly spoken out about the situation. The current dispute is perhaps the latest black cloud Portis believes is hanging over the franchise.
Antetokounmpo is desperate to win another championship and has watched the Bucks fall further and further away from contention over the last few years. He is under contract for next season, but will likely opt for free agency next summer instead of signing another deal with the Bucks.
Portis believes the team will look at potential roster changes before making a final decision. Top free agent signing Myles Turner has been underwhelming in his first season in Milwaukee. Kyle Kuzma has also failed to meet expectations and has been rumored to be on the trade block.
Ironically, Portis, Antetokounmpo’s teammate on the 2021 NBA championship team, may have the most trade value among the team’s role players, as he’s currently shooting 46.2% from 3-point range. Portis believes it’s in everyone’s best interest for the Antetokounmpo saga to be settled quickly this summer, even if his own roster status may be affected.
