Anyone who has been around Giannis Antetokounmpo knows what he’s all about and how he doesn’t play games when it comes to his pursuit of NBA titles and basketball immortality. Although his reputation as an all-time great is already set in stone — a two-time league MVP and an NBA champion — past achievements mean very little compared to what he has in mind for the future: more rings for the Milwaukee Bucks.
In fact, the Greek Freak has reiterated numerous times that he’s willing to consider a change in scenery, meaning departing the only place he has called home in the NBA, if it means giving him a better chance of winning more championships. During the Bucks’ media day on Monday, Giannis did not hesitate to confirm a report that he had thought about leaving the team for greener pastures in the offseason.
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Not the first time, and it won’t be the last
Giannis wants to consistently compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy, something he succeeded in doing back in 2021. However, the chance to do that has eluded him and the Bucks for three straight seasons now, as they have not gotten past the first round since 2022. That said, nobody can blame Antetokounmpo for feeling a little antsy, amidst the uncertainty surrounding the Bucks’ roster.
The offseason saw the Bucks waive All-Star guard Damian Lillard and part ways with longtime sentinel, Brook Lopez. However, the team did bolster their firepower with the additions of guard Cole Anthony and center Myles Turner. It remains to be seen, though, if these adjustments will give Giannis a better chance at winning another NBA ring.
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“It’s not the first time. I had the same thoughts last year,” Antetokounmpo said, referring to him alluding to trade options if the Bucks couldn’t assemble a formidable roster built to battle for league supremacy.
“I had the same thoughts two years ago. I had the same thoughts five years ago. It is never going to change,” he added. “I want to be among the best. I want to compete with the best, and I want to win another championship.”
A fierce competitor
Strip away the wealth, the fame and all the endorsement deals in the world, and one will find the heart of a true competitor. From his early days playing basketball on the streets of Athens, Greece, to now dominating the NBA as a two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo has always had an unwavering determination to win.
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“I want to be in a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship,” he continued. “I think it’s a disservice to basketball, just to the game, to not want it to compete in a high level, to want your season to end in April.”
Now 30, Giannis knows the clock is ticking for him to continue building his legacy. Even after building a career destined for the Hall of Fame, his intense hunger for another NBA championship persists. Although Antetokounmpo has yet to see what the latest iteration of the Bucks would look like out on the hardwood floor, he believes in its potential.
“I think it’s a great team. It’s a sleeper, and a lot of people might not take it serious, but I think we are a very, very dangerous team,” he stressed. “I believe in the people around me. I believe in my teammates. I believe in the moves that they make. Hopefully, we can get on the same page and understand what’s at risk right now.”
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Even if Giannis secures only a single championship in his celebrated career, his place among basketball’s all-time greats is assured. However, given his extraordinary talent and tireless dedication, one ring might feel understated for a player of Antetokounmpo’s exceptional caliber.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.