Antetokounmpo: I may change my mind in the future, but I am currently focused on the Bucks
2025-10-09 05:21
On October 8th, local time, Giannis Antetokounmpo responded to his personal decision about whether to stay or go. He admitted that there may be variables in the future, but he is currently fully focused on the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday, Antetokounmpo will decide his future based on the Bucks' start to the season. Charania also pointed out that the Bucks had a brief conversation with the New York Knicks about trading for Antetokounmpo this summer, and the Knicks are the only team Antetokounmpo is currently considering joining.
However, Antetokounmpo said he wasn't paying attention to the reports about Charania. In an interview with TA reporter Eric Nehm, he said: "After the season starts, I will try to stay away from social media and focus on improving my skills and team performance. I have said many times that I want to be in an environment where I have a chance to win."
Antetokounmpo then added: "I believe in this team and my teammates. I am here to lead this team as far as possible, although difficulties are inevitable. We will keep our feet on the ground and follow the plan, and I have devoted myself to it. Other distractions are irrelevant."
"I've made it clear to my teammates and the people I respect and care about that when I step onto the court or into the practice facility, I'm not thinking about anything else except the jersey I'm wearing. I'm focused on what's in front of me."
Despite this, Antetokounmpo did not rule out the possibility of leaving the team in the future in the interview: "If I change my mind after six or seven months, I think that is also human nature. Everyone has the right to make any decision. However, at this moment I am completely focused on the present. I am focused on this team, my teammates, coaching staff, and myself."
The 30-year-old Antetokounmpo was the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft and has played for the Milwaukee Bucks for 12 years. He has appeared in 859 regular-season games for the Bucks, averaging 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He has been selected to the All-Star team nine times, the All-NBA team seven times, and has twice won the regular-season MVP award (2019 and 2020).
Antetokounmpo also led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship with his Finals MVP-level performance. However, the Bucks have now been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, prompting Antetokounmpo, who is eager to win a championship, to consider a trade away from the team.
With the strong support of Jon Horst and other Bucks executives, Antetokounmpo seems to have temporarily given up the idea of leaving the team. He will team up with center Myles Turner, who was acquired from the Pacers in a trade this summer, to once again challenge for the NBA championship.