Giannis Antetokounmpo’s New Vow All But Confirms Bucks Exit

For the past few months, the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks has been in serious question.

While the Greek star has both said he was interested in searching for a new home outside the team he led to the 2021 NBA championship, Antetokounmpo has recently shared that his entire focus is on the upcoming season in Milwaukee.

Recent reporting from Shams Charania of ESPN showed Antetokounmpo had a strong interest in joining the New York Knicks over the offseason, but a deal never came to fruition. Now, with the entire NBA world curious as to what the star, or team’s, next move is, Antetokounmpo offered a new update on his plans.


Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants To End His Career In His Native Greece

Speaking in an interview with ANT1’s The 2Nite Show, Antetokounmpo said he wants to finish out his career in Greece, after what will likely be about six to eight more years in the NBA.

“I’m 30 years old, I can play in the NBA until I’m 36-38. I’d like to end my career in a Greek team, why not?” Antetokounmpo said, according to BasketNews. “I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece. I could end my career here, whether this team is called Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris, I’m talking about all the teams now.”

Antetokounmpo’s latest statements on his future come just about a week after it was announced that the Greek star’s family is moving to his hometown of Athens.

He spent much of the summer leading the Greek national team in EuroBasket, finishing with a bronze medal in the tournament, his first major accomplishment on the national team. 

Antetokounmpo said the achievement was the highlight of his career, and after spending a decent amount of time in Greece over the offseason, he has now given a further commitment to his home country as it relates to his playing career. 

While he didn’t hint at any immediate plans regarding the NBA in particular, Antetokounmpo’s comments come at a unique crossroad in his basketball career. 


Bucks Doing Everything Possible To Keep The Star

Charania’s continuous reporting on Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks has put a major spotlight on the team, particularly after losing in the first round of the playoffs three years in a row.

Milwaukee did not do a lot over the offseason in terms of putting together a stronger roster, but they did make a recent move that they hope will keep Antetokounmpo in town for the future.

Announced by none other than Charania, the Bucks signed Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis’s youngest brother. He will join the 2021 Finals MVP, along with Thanasis Antetokounmpo, on the Bucks next season. It will be the first time in NBA history that three brothers are on the same team together. 

Antetokounmpo has made it clear that family is important to him, as seen by his decision to move his family to Greece, as well as Thanasis having a long previous stint with the Bucks. Milwaukee has acknowledged that, and hopes adding another brother will keep his belief in the direction of the team. 

Over the offseason, the Bucks lost Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez, while bringing in Myles Turner. On paper, it doesn’t turn them into a title contender, but the new core alongside Antetokounmpo has yet to be seen in any real fashion. 

General manager Jon Horst has said he and the franchise have done everything they can to keep Antetokounmpo, and even if he does stay to close out his NBA career, the Greek Freak looks to be headed back home before an official retirement. 

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