Giannis Antetokounmpo: Heading to New York? Uncertain future in the Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and His Future in Milwaukee: A New Beginning or the End of an Era?

The Milwaukee Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has been at the center of conversation during the offseason. Bucks general manager Jon Horst traveled to Athens, Greece, to meet with the franchise player, 2021 NBA champion and Finals MVP. The face-to-face meeting was crucial to discuss Antetokounmpo’s future with the team. Horst, after a transformative summer for the Bucks, made the bold decision to cut Damian Lillard to free up salary space and sign Myles Turner. This move represented a long-term financial commitment, both for Turner’s contract and for the salary impact of the Lillard deal, which would remain on Milwaukee’s books for five seasons. The main goal was to retain Antetokounmpo. This wasn’t the first time Horst made significant decisions to strengthen the Antetokounmpo-led Bucks, as he previously acquired Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. The meeting in Athens was a turning point, where feelings and expectations were addressed following the team’s elimination in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Horst presented his vision for the 2025-26 season, expressing his confidence that the team could compete for the championship in the Eastern Conference.

Alofoke Deportes

Antetokounmpo, for his part, expressed his doubts about the team’s ability to compete for the title, suggesting the possibility of exploring alternatives. Finally, Antetokounmpo returned to Milwaukee for the start of the 2025-26 season. The Bucks, meanwhile, reached an agreement to bring back his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Despite this agreement, uncertainty persists about the star’s future. Antetokounmpo’s situation has generated great anticipation in the league, especially after the player, after capturing the title in 2021, failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs in the last three seasons. Injuries have affected the Bucks, with Antetokounmpo and Lillard missing important playoff games. Antetokounmpo’s representative, Alex Saratsis, has been evaluating the best options for the player, in case he decides to leave the Bucks. The New York Knicks emerged as Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination outside of Milwaukee. The Bucks and Knicks held conversations in August, but no agreement was reached. The Bucks showed their preference not to trade Antetokounmpo, while the Knicks considered Milwaukee’s offer not attractive enough. The Knicks, led by president Leon Rose, have been interested in Antetokounmpo for some time. However, they made moves to strengthen the team, such as the acquisition of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. Antetokounmpo has publicly expressed his desire to win another championship, suggesting that the Bucks’ lack of success could lead him to seek other options. In a conversation, Antetokounmpo stated that “he wants to be on a team that gives him the opportunity to win a championship”. The Bucks feared Antetokounmpo would request a trade during Horst’s trip to Greece. Antetokounmpo was constantly questioning whether the current team was capable of competing for the title. The player initiated negotiations to explore his external options, which led to conversations between the Bucks and the Knicks. The Bucks’ owners, along with Horst and coach Doc Rivers, have reiterated their desire to retain Antetokounmpo. However, the pressure is high in Milwaukee, as the current season is seen as crucial. The moment of greatest influence for Antetokounmpo will arrive next summer, when he has one year of guaranteed contract left. On October 1, 2026, Antetokounmpo will be able to sign a maximum four-year, $275 million extension, giving him greater control over his future. The Bucks organization is confident in competing in the East with Antetokounmpo, but the situation could change depending on the team’s performance and potential injuries to other players. Antetokounmpo is coming off his second consecutive season averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists with 60% accuracy, something no other player has achieved in NBA history. Antetokounmpo’s offensive load will increase after Lillard’s departure. The season will determine if Antetokounmpo becomes a viable target for a trade and if he explores his external options once more. The key question is whether the window for Antetokounmpo will open before next summer.