If he retired today, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career resume with the Milwaukee Bucks ranks among the best of all time.
With questions surrounding his future, Antetokounmpo is at a crossroads in his career, whether to stay with the Bucks, or begin another title search on a new team. The Greek star has already said he plans to end his playing career in his home country, but with multiple MVP-caliber seasons still left in the tank, everyone wants to know what he’ll do next.
Speaking with Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Antetokounmpo offered insight as to how he views his career, legacy, and future in Milwaukee.
“I just sit out there and think about what’s important for me,” Antetokounmpo said. “And every time I come to the conclusion: legacy. What I’m going to be remembered for.”
Holding multiple franchise records, taking home the 2021 Finals MVP and the Bucks’ first title in 50 years, winning two league MVPs, and a consistent candidate year over year, Antetokounmpo is one of the greatest players of his generation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Unsure About His Legacy
The newly introspective Greek Freak said that his focus is on the upcoming season with Milwaukee, but he has a broader plan of continuing to fight for championships. Even after the historic statistics as a perennial MVP candidate, Antetokounmpo said he doesn’t care about the numbers as they relate to his legacy in the NBA.
“It’s not about stats no more,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s about how can we do great things on the court. How can we put ourselves in a position that we can win accolades as a team. And that’s what’s left. Every basketball player, every athlete, starts a career and they have this quest of what they want to accomplish and what to be remembered for. And I think at this point, I’ve accomplished everything that I’ve put my mind to.”
Antetokounmpo’s most recent accolade was winning a bronze medal with Greece in the 2025 EuroBasket tournament, which he dubbed the ‘greatest accomplishment‘ of his career.
But with the success in the NBA and global basketball stage as a whole, the star doesn’t believe he ranks next to the greatest of all time. Though he thinks he can get there with more team success, Antetokounmpo said he isn’t in the pantheon alongside Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the other best players ever.
“That’s the goal,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m not there yet. They’re like top 10 all-time. I’ve got a lot of work to do. But I’m going to be there.”
Bucks Future Remains Uncertain
Reports from Shams Charania of ESPN in recent weeks have drawn even more attention to the question of Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. Most notably, he reported the star’s interest in the New York Knicks, and though trade talks were limited, it was the first time a specific team has been linked to Antetokounmpo.
Speaking with reporters during the Bucks’ preseason media day, the Greek Freak said his sole focus is on the team and the upcoming season, but that could always change.
“I’ve said this many times: I want to be in situations (where) I can win and now I’m here,” Antetokounmpo said. “I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. And it’s definitely going to be hard. We’re going to take it day by day, but I’m here. So, all the other extra stuff does not matter.”
“Now, in six or seven months, I change my mind, I think that’s human, too. My decision today is that I’m here and I’m committed to this team.”
The star has made it clear that he is already thinking about a future past Milwaukee, seen by his recent comments on finishing his career in Greece, and his openness to a Knicks move. However, for the time being, Antetokounmpo remains on the Bucks, and they are doing everything they can to keep him around.
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