Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘committed’ to Bucks amid trade talks with Knicks
Giannis Antetokounmpo he wants to stay in Milwaukee, for now.
The two-time MVP reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucks on Wednesday, while Tuesday made headlines that the Knicks had discussed a potential trade for the superstar in August after choosing New York as "the only place" he wanted to play outside of Milwaukee.
SNY NBA insider Ian Begley confirmed that the Knicks and Bucks had hastily talked about an Antetokounmpo deal at the time, but had not reached an advanced level. Begley noted that Antetokounmpo sees the idea of ​​winning a title in New York as appealing.
Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he believes in the Bucks and that his main goal is to win another championship. Although he left the door open to a potential trade in the future, saying that he is "human" to change your mind.
"I’ve said it many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win," Antetokounmpo said. "I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team wherever we may go. It will definitely be difficult. We’ll take it day by day, but I’m here. So all the extra stuff doesn’t count.
"I have communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people that I respect and love, that the moment I step on this field or in this facility, I put on this jersey, the rest doesn’t matter. I’m stuck in whatever is in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too."
When asked about rumors circulating during the offseason that he wanted to leave Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo called it quits "temptation," but now all this belongs to the past and he is ready for the start of the season with his current team.
"It’s temptation. Which starts when the season ends until the season begins," Antetokounmpo said. "There will be a lot of people who will approach me or my agent and say this is a possibility, this is a possibility… but ultimately, ultimately, I will make a decision. And my decision today is that I’m here and I’m committed to this team."
Antetokounmpo, who turns 31 on Dec. 6, signed a three-year, $175 million contract extension with the Bucks in October 2023. He will earn $54.12 million this season, $58.45 million next, and holds a player option for the 2027-28 season capped at $62.78 million before hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2028.
Last season the Bucks went 48-34 and lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round (4-1). They made major roster changes during the following offseason Damian Lillardof Achilles in the playoffs, giving up and extending with a rare move, and then signing the former Pacers big man Myles Turner. If Milwaukee gets off to another slow start or appears to be out of the postseason by the trade deadline (Feb. 5, 2026, 3 p.m.), it’s possible Antetokounmpo’s mind has changed regarding the organization and he’s ready for a new team.