If nothing else, Giannis Antetokounmpo has remained consistent and candid about his future in the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Sends Clear Message About His NBA Future and the Milwaukee Bucks

The nine-time All-Star and two-time MVP has one priority: winning an NBA championship. And he wants to be surrounded by a Milwaukee Bucks team — or another franchise — equally committed to that pursuit.

Since Antetokounmpo joined the Bucks in 2013-14, Milwaukee has largely delivered, reaching the NBA Playoffs in 10 of his 12 seasons and capturing their first NBA title in 50 years back in 2021. But momentum has stalled. The Bucks have now suffered three straight first-round playoff exits, raising questions about whether their championship window is already closing.

Speaking from Greece via Zoom on Monday’s Bucks media day — after recently contracting COVID — Antetokounmpo doubled down on what he’s been saying for years.

“The same thing I’ve been saying my whole career. I want to be on a team that gives me a chance to win a championship… it is never going to change. I want to be among the best.”

The superstar also addressed NBA trade rumors that surfaced this offseason, with league insiders suggesting he was considering whether Milwaukee remained the right long-term fit, or if another franchise might better align with his championship ambitions.

Antetokounmpo even pushed back on Bucks governor Wes Edens’ claim that the two had a “positive” offseason meeting, hinting at possible friction between the NBA star and the front office.

“It’s a disservice to basketball, and just to the game, to not want to compete at the highest level — to want your season to end in April,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s the same thing I’ve been saying. I had the same thoughts last year. I had the same thoughts two years ago.”

While Giannis Antetokounmpo has not gone as far as requesting a trade, the pressure is building. At 30 years old and entering his 13th NBA season, the superstar is sending a clear message: if the Bucks can’t contend, he may eventually explore opportunities elsewhere.

The question now is whether the Milwaukee Bucks can convince him that his best chance to win still lies in green and cream.