One of the NBA’s ever-evolving storylines is the long-term future of two-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. This story has already undergone several twists: insiders believe he preferred a trade to the New York Knicks above all, with the Knicks being unable to reach an agreement with the Bucks in the Summer, according to sources.
However, in an interview with The Athletic, Giannis shut down trade rumors and reiterated his commitment to retiring with the team he loves. How will it all play out? Chris Mannix and Evan Turner offered their opinion on his future during their latest podcast.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future May Not Be Decided Despite Recent Commitment
NBA insider, Chris Mannix of SI’s Open Floor podcast, believes there is wiggle room in the offseason for the Greek Freak to still be traded, without it appearing he’s angling to leave the team he’s loyal to.
Even still, in his interview with Sam Amick of The Athletic, he appeared to commit to the Bucks. “My plan is to be here for the rest of my career.” This quote should be a huge boost for the Bucks, as they still intend to do all they can to add backcourt help and build around the face of their franchise.
This also almost surely closes the door on his requesting a trade, let alone the slim chances of being moved by the trade deadline.
Nevertheless, Mannix told his co-host Turner, “This is exactly how Giannis needs to operate.”
He elaborates, “If he wants to have his cake and eat it too. If he wants to get what he ultimately wants, which is a trade to a team with a better chance of contending, while maintaining his place with the fans in Milwaukee, a positive place with his fans, this is the kind of thing he needs to say.”
Mannix frames his argument that if the Bucks do as expected and finish the season without really making a dent in the Eastern Conference, Giannis can simply tell the Bucks he isn’t going to sign an extension.
This would essentially force a trade heading into his walk year without it appearing as if Giannis is disrupting the team or demanding a trade.
“If Giannis gets to the offseason and just tells the Bucks, I don’t want to sign an extension when I’m going into my walk year, that has the same force of a trade demand. And that will be treated the same way by Milwaukee, but it won’t paint him in a negative light.”
“If Giannis gets to the offseason & just tells the Bucks, I don’t want to sign an extension when I’m going into my walk year, that has the same force of a trade demand. And that will be treated the same way by Milwaukee, but it won’t paint him in a negative light.” @SIChrisMannix https://t.co/LQmQ9BnZmK pic.twitter.com/h6rroTTy8D
— Dru (@dru_star) January 11, 2026
The Knicks remain the most likely suitor if he refuses an extension, as Karl-Anthony Towns would match his salary-wise. He’s having an inconsistent season, struggling to adapt to Mike Brown’s system, but it would take significantly more assets and likely a third team to pique the Bucks’ interest.
The other two teams in a championship window who would love to add him are the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets. Yet judging by Giannis’ own words, he’s appearing to commit his future with Milwaukee… at least for now.
