Giannis Antetokounmpo has played a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff success in recent years. He led the team that won the NBA championship in 2021. Since then, the Milwaukee-based franchise hasn’t tasted any success in the postseason.
They were knocked out of the ECF semifinals the following year by the Boston Celtics, and suffered round 1 upsets the next three years. The fact that they failed to get past the first hurdle speaks volumes about their internal struggles.
This was the main reported reason for Antetokounmpo’s intention to look elsewhere in the NBA. Rumors emerged right after the Indiana Pacers dismantled the Bucks easily despite the Greek star’s presence. Now, the player has finally spoken about his goals for the future.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Breaks Silence on NBA Future Amid Trade Rumors
Recently, Antetokounmpo traveled to Brazil to launch the opening of a basketball court in Rio de Janeiro under his name. The visit made some significant waves on social media when he took a painful fall while attempting to dunk the ball.
In addition to that, he also spoke to Brazilian media ‘Coast to Coast‘ about his plans for the future. The forward said, “The Finals are different, I hope to be back soon with the Bucks.”
The decision comes as a shock after the wild saga we have witnessed in the last few weeks. Some fans even believed that he might be moving to Knicks when he revealed that New York was his favorite city to play in on the road.
New York https://t.co/uJQRe2ID7O
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 18, 2025
Antetokounmpo has officially announced his intention to return to Milwaukee, and the Bucks should definitely capitalize on his loyalty. They have to build around Antetokounmpo and Lillard, and attempt to cash in on the older players in the locker room.
Recently, an NBA insider revealed that Brook Lopez might be leaving the team this offseason, when he becomes unrestricted free agent. This might pose a problem for the Bucks, where they have to fill in his shoes at the center position.
It might be expensive to build around the two superstars, but that is the only way the Bucks will be able to return to the NBA Finals.
Kyle Kuzma also had a postseason to forget, and his comeback will also be vital for the franchise. The player was brutally trolled during the playoffs for a disappointing 0-point game vs. the Pacers.
With that said, it will be interesting to see how the Bucks build their roster around Antetokounmpo, whose contract ends after the 2027-28 NBA season.