Giannis Antetokounmpo Reaffirms Commitment to Bucks Amid Trade Rumors focused on Winning in Milwaukee but Acknowledges Human Nature to Reconsider Future.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time NBA MVP, reiterated his dedication to the team as they gear up for the regular season, while leaving the door open to potentially changing his mind in the future. Speaking on Wednesday, Antetokounmpo addressed recent speculation about his future, sparked by a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania that the Bucks engaged in trade talks with the New York Knicks this offseason regarding the superstar forward.
“I’ve said this many times: I want to be in a situation that I can win,” Antetokounmpo said. “I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go.” While emphasizing his current commitment, he candidly noted, “If in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human, too.”
Antetokounmpo, who missed the start of training camp due to illness, rejoined the Bucks over the weekend in Miami but sat out their first preseason game on Sunday. The team is set to host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday in Milwaukee. “I’m locked in,” he stressed. “I’m locked in to this team, to these guys, to this group and to this coaching staff and to myself.”
The 30-year-old described the offseason as a “temptation” period, filled with external noise and possibilities, but said he’s now focused solely on basketball, having stepped away from social media. “There’s going to be a lot of people that are going to approach me or my agent and say this is a possibility, that’s a possibility,” he said. “But my decision today is that I’m here and I’m committed to this team.”
Despite the trade rumors, Antetokounmpo’s comments reflect his determination to chase championships with Milwaukee, while acknowledging the fluid nature of NBA careers. As the Bucks prepare for the season, all eyes will be on whether Antetokounmpo and the team can translate that commitment into on-court success.
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