Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Dilemma
This offseason, Giannis Antetokounmpo confronted uncertainties regarding his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. In late July, general manager Jon Horst traveled to Athens, Greece, to meet with the franchise cornerstone—the 2021 NBA champion and Finals MVP—face-to-face.
Horst had just undertaken a bold overhaul for the Bucks, which included waiving Damian Lillard to free up cap space to sign center Myles Turner from the rival Indiana Pacers. This significant financial commitment involved not only Turner’s four-year, $108 million contract but also the cap hit from Lillard’s remaining $113 million deal. The objective was to ensure Antetokounmpo’s long-term presence in Milwaukee; however, they did not consult him before making these moves, similar to the acquisition of Lillard in 2023.
In his tenure since 2008 and as GM since 2017, Horst has continually backed Antetokounmpo, notably acquiring Jrue Holiday in 2020 and Lillard in 2023. During the pivotal meeting in Athens, Horst, Antetokounmpo, and agent Giorgos Panou engaged in candid discussions to address any lingering frustrations after the Bucks’ third consecutive first-round playoff exit. Horst articulated his championship aspirations for the 2025-26 roster, asserting they could contend in the Eastern Conference.
Antetokounmpo, while hearing Horst’s confidence, voiced doubts about the team’s championship potential. He sought clarity on whether there were alternative paths for both him and the organization, according to league sources. Eventually, Antetokounmpo committed to returning to Milwaukee for the 2025-26 season. During EuroBasket, the Bucks secured Antetokounmpo’s brother Thanasis with a one-year, $2.9 million deal, achieving temporary unity.
Despite this momentary alignment, Antetokounmpo’s future remains a hot topic leading into the season, with various uncertainties still existing. After winning the title in 2021 and narrowly missing a return trip to the conference finals in 2022, the Bucks have struggled, suffering first-round exits for three consecutive years. Antetokounmpo echoed his frustrations, becoming the second player in NBA history to average 30 points per game yet fail to win a playoff series for three straight seasons—following Oscar Robertson’s record.
Injuries have plagued the Bucks in their playoff pursuits, with Antetokounmpo and Lillard sidelined during crucial games. Their partnership ended abruptly when Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs. Since mid-May, Antetokounmpo’s representatives explored potential trade scenarios, revealing the New York Knicks as the only team he expressed interest in should he leave Milwaukee.
The Bucks acknowledged the Knicks’ inquiries regarding Antetokounmpo, but talks did not gain traction due to insufficient offers. The Knicks, driven to improve their championship potential, aimed to make strategic moves despite being aware of Antetokounmpo’s previous interest in joining them. With the season approaching, Antetokounmpo’s commitment to either Milwaukee or exploring new avenues hangs in the balance, further complicated by the performance of the Bucks and the league’s overall landscape.
