Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he hopes to finish his career in Greece.

Since the beginning of the summer, speculation has been swirling about Antetokounmpo's potential departure from the Milwaukee Bucks. However, in an exclusive interview with ANT1's "The 2night Show," Antetokounmpo didn't address the rumors, instead focusing on the more distant future.

"I'm 30 years old now and should be able to play in the NBA for another 6-8 years. I'd like to finish my career with a Greek team. Why not?" he said frankly. "I don't want to settle down in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece. Maybe with Fila Litikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Ares. I can definitely finish my career in Greece."

Born in Athens, Greece, Antetokounmpo made his professional debut with his home team, Filas Kovacs, in 2011. After two years with Filas Kovacs, he entered the NBA with the 15th overall pick and has played for the Milwaukee Bucks for 12 years.

According to ESPN, Antetokounmpo played a total of 859 regular-season games with the Bucks, averaging 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He was selected to the All-Star team nine times, the NBA All-NBA Team seven times, and was twice named the Regular Season MVP (2019 and 2020). He also led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship and was subsequently named Finals MVP.

However, the Bucks' competitiveness has declined significantly since their 2021 championship, and they have now been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. As a result, Antetokounmpo has begun considering a trade and has had brief discussions with the New York Knicks. ESPN reporter Shams Charania reported last week that he will decide his future based on the Bucks' start to the season.

In an interview with TA reporter Eric Nehm, Antetokounmpo said: "I believe in this team and my teammates. I am here to lead the team to go as far as possible, although difficulties are inevitable. We will be down-to-earth and step by step, and I have devoted myself to it. Other disturbances 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."

Antetokounmpo also admitted that there may indeed be variables in the future: "If I change my mind in six or seven months, I think that is 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, the coaching staff, and myself."