A week into the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason, the organization already has moved on from coach Doc Rivers. The next, and much larger, question centers on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future.Speaking on Goran Dragic’s podcast, Antetokounmpo said he wishes he had shut down trade speculation sooner during the season.“This was the first time in my NBA career that it was everywhere,” Antetokounmpo said. “I kept saying, ‘Guys, I’m here. I’m not going nowhere.’”He added that, if he could do it over again, he “would maybe come out a little earlier and say, ‘This ends today. Look at me in my eyes, I’m staying in Milwaukee.’”Antetokounmpo, 31, has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Bucks, who selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft. He led Milwaukee to its first championship in 50 years in 2021 and owns franchise career records in many major statistical categories.Still, uncertainty remains around the two-time MVP and the team’s direction.Antetokounmpo can become a free agent after next season if he does not sign a four-year, $275 million extension in October. Milwaukee also could explore a trade before then if it believes he will not agree to that deal.That possibility helped fuel trade-deadline speculation this season, though the Bucks ultimately kept their franchise star.The situation comes at a pivotal moment for Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo’s season ended March 15, when he suffered an awkward fall on a dunk in a win over the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in a career-low 36 games.

MILWAUKEE —

A week into the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason, the organization already has moved on from coach Doc Rivers. The next, and much larger, question centers on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future.

Speaking on Goran Dragic’s podcast, Antetokounmpo said he wishes he had shut down trade speculation sooner during the season.

“This was the first time in my NBA career that it was everywhere,” Antetokounmpo said. “I kept saying, ‘Guys, I’m here. I’m not going nowhere.’”

He added that, if he could do it over again, he “would maybe come out a little earlier and say, ‘This ends today. Look at me in my eyes, I’m staying in Milwaukee.’”

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Giannis admits he wishes he would’ve shut down the trade rumors from day 1 this season:

“This year, every day I scroll through the media, turn tv on, First Take, ESPN, it’s Giannis, Giannis, Giannis… I kept saying ‘guys I’m here, I’m not going no where.’ They’d say ‘Giannis you… https://t.co/CtzHYzidv4 pic.twitter.com/dEwC79rfG7

— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) April 18, 2026

Antetokounmpo, 31, has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Bucks, who selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft. He led Milwaukee to its first championship in 50 years in 2021 and owns franchise career records in many major statistical categories.

Still, uncertainty remains around the two-time MVP and the team’s direction.

Antetokounmpo can become a free agent after next season if he does not sign a four-year, $275 million extension in October. Milwaukee also could explore a trade before then if it believes he will not agree to that deal.

That possibility helped fuel trade-deadline speculation this season, though the Bucks ultimately kept their franchise star.

The situation comes at a pivotal moment for Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo’s season ended March 15, when he suffered an awkward fall on a dunk in a win over the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in a career-low 36 games.