The NBA trade deadline might have passed, but that doesn’t mean the trade speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo is over.
While Antetokounmpo wasn’t traded yet, he raised the discussion about his long-term future once again with the Milwaukee Bucks after he made some concerning comments in a recent interview.
Key Points
Antetokounmpo stated that if the decision were solely his, he might have already departed Milwaukee.
He emphasized that his ultimate decision will be made when he becomes a free agent at age 32.
The superstar reiterated his commitment to playing for the Bucks as long as his body allows and will not force a trade.
Despite team struggles, Antetokounmpo continues to deliver elite individual performance.
More NBA Content from TWSN
Jayson Tatum is Forcing the Boston Celtics to Make a Decision
Contenders vs Pretenders After The NBA Trade Deadline
Why the Anthony Davis Trade Will Be a Disaster for the Wizards
Giannis Antetokounmpo Drops Hints On His Future With the Milwaukee Bucks
In a recent interview with COSMOTE TV, Antetokounmpo addressed the persistent rumors surrounding his future with the Bucks. “I don’t know if I’ll leave, it’s not up to me. If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, it will be up to me.”
Giannis says that if it were up to him, maybe he would’ve left Milwaukee by now
“I don’t know if I’ll leave — it’s not up to me. If it was up to me, maybe I already would have left. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, it will be up to me.”
(Via COSMOTE TV,… pic.twitter.com/pW2FOsf1tH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 18, 2026
These comments come at a time when the Bucks are looking to improve their roster and potentially secure Antetokounmpo with a contract extension. He is eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension starting on October 1. However, his remarks suggest that the final decision on his long-term future may not be made until he hits unrestricted free agency in 2027.
Despite the speculation, Antetokounmpo was quick to emphasize his current dedication to the Milwaukee franchise. “As Americans say, opinions are cheap, that’s why everyone has one. Right now, at this moment, I’m in Milwaukee,” Antetokounmpo said. He also made it clear that he is not the type of player to force his way out of a team via a trade request.
Furthermore, Antetokounmpo dismissed any notion of sitting out the remainder of the season, even with the Bucks currently not battling for a playoff spot. “No one can dare come and tell me not to play. I never gave anyone that right — as long as my legs allow me, I’ll be out there.”
While Antetokounmpo will continue playing, the team performance this season will play a factor in his future decision, with seeing how the Bucks aren’t contending.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Stats
Even with the ongoing uncertainty and the Bucks’ current 12th-place standing in the Eastern Conference, Antetokounmpo continues to perform at an elite level. In 30 games this season, he is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, shooting over 64% from the field.
Related
Subscribe to the TWSN Newsletter for original reporting, bold opinions, and real analysis across NFL, NBA, UFC, College Football, and more.
Straight to your inbox. Always authentic.
Sign up now and never miss a moment.