UPDATE: Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear he is focused on winning a second NBA championship, revealing he explored options over the summer regarding his future with the team. In a video call from Greece on Monday, Antetokounmpo emphasized that he wants to compete at the highest level. “I want to be in a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship,” he stated, following reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Antetokounmpo, who is currently sidelined from training camp due to a positive COVID-19 test, has voiced concerns over the Bucks’ recent playoff struggles. The team has been eliminated in the first round for three consecutive seasons, leaving the 30-year-old star eager for change. “It’s not the first time. I had the same thoughts last year,” he said, highlighting his ongoing desire to win.
The urgency of the Bucks’ situation is palpable, as they seek to revitalize their roster. Antetokounmpo expressed optimism about new additions like center Myles Turner, calling the team a “sleeper” that could surprise critics. “I think we are a very, very dangerous team,” he added, creating buzz among fans and analysts alike.
While Antetokounmpo has acknowledged his summer reflections on his future, Bucks General Manager Jon Horst reassured fans of the star’s commitment. “This team is built to maximize Giannis, but Giannis can actually maximize this team,” Horst stated, emphasizing their strategy to leverage Antetokounmpo’s extraordinary talents.
“We don’t think it’s safe for him to be around our team,”
said Horst regarding Antetokounmpo’s absence from training camp. He indicated that as soon as the star is medically cleared, he will rejoin the team in Milwaukee.
Earlier this month, Antetokounmpo shone on the international stage, leading Team Greece to a bronze medal at the FIBA Eurobasket 2025. In the third-place game on September 14, he scored 30 points with 17 rebounds, showcasing his elite skills. This experience, he noted, was “the greatest basketball accomplishment of my life,” but the focus now shifts back to the NBA.
Despite the Bucks’ struggles, managing governor Wes Edens expressed confidence in Antetokounmpo’s dedication to Milwaukee. “He made it clear that he was very committed to Milwaukee,” Edens reported, although Antetokounmpo later indicated he did not specifically recall that conversation.
As the Bucks gear up for the new season, Antetokounmpo reiterated the team’s pressing need to advance past the first round of the playoffs. “We just got to put our heads down and stay locked in the whole year long,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and focus.
Fans and analysts alike are now watching closely as the Bucks prepare for the upcoming season. Will they finally break the first-round curse? With Giannis at the helm and new talent on board, the stakes have never been higher for Milwaukee.