Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the face of the Milwaukee Bucks for over a decade, delivering the franchise’s first championship in 50 years back in 2021 and establishing himself as one of the greatest players of his generation. Yet even with all the loyalty he’s shown to Milwaukee, Giannis recently admitted that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucks traded him one day.
In an exclusive interview with Sport24 in Greece, the two-time MVP gave a grounded response to the business realities of basketball.
“Look, I hope it never happens, but I’m expecting it too. Just because you’ve given a lot to the team doesn’t mean the team won’t do what’s best for itself. It’s not always the same owners.”
“And when I say owners, the team presidents now, they’re not the same as when we won the championship. It’s someone else. If Giannis doesn’t work for me, can’t offer me what I need, I’ll trade him. I’ll do what’s best for my team and my investment. I’ve put hundreds of millions into the team.”
“Sure, if my head were in the clouds, I’d say, ‘No way I get traded, I’m Giannis Antetokounmpo.’ Because I’m not in the clouds and I’m very normal, grounded, I say anything is possible you never know. When that (Luka Doncic) trade happened, it wasn’t just me who was shocked, anyone who watches basketball was shocked.”
Giannis expanded on that thought, essentially putting himself in the shoes of an executive. Giannis pointed to Luka Doncic’s shocking trade from Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers this past summer as proof that anything can happen.
Doncic being moved after years of being deemed “untouchable” sent a message across the league: even superstars with historic resumes are not immune from front-office decisions when ownership and management change. Giannis has taken that lesson to heart, preparing himself mentally for a reality where the Bucks could one day decide to move on.
Antetokounmpo’s comments are not necessarily a hint that he wants out of Milwaukee. Instead, they highlight his clear-eyed view of how the NBA operates. Teams are investments, and ownership’s priorities can shift quickly. While Giannis has expressed his desire to compete for another championship with the Bucks, he knows his future isn’t entirely in his control.
For Milwaukee, the challenge remains the same: proving to their franchise cornerstone that they can build a roster capable of contending at the highest level. Since their 2021 title, the Bucks have struggled to get back to the NBA Finals, and their early playoff exits have raised questions about their ability to keep Giannis happy long term.
As the Bucks enter the 2025-26 season, pressure is mounting on the front office. The Eastern Conference is loaded with rising teams, and Milwaukee cannot afford another disappointing postseason. Giannis has not demanded a trade, but his willingness to acknowledge the possibility shows he’s keeping his options open.
For now, Giannis remains a Buck, determined to chase another ring in Milwaukee. But just as Doncic’s trade stunned the basketball world, Antetokounmpo’s candid remarks remind us all that no scenario is off the table in today’s NBA.
