Giannis Wants to Stay in Milwaukee, But Wants to Win

Bucks star says he's committed to the city, but team's struggles this season have him frustrated

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:23am

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP, has expressed his desire to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks for the rest of his career, but he also wants the team to be in a position to compete for championships. Despite the Bucks' struggles this season, Giannis says he is committed to the city of Milwaukee, where he has built a life and family. However, he is growing frustrated with the team's inconsistent play and is eager to get back to competing at the highest level.

Why it matters

Giannis' comments come as the Bucks have started listening to trade offers for the superstar, raising questions about his long-term future in Milwaukee. The team's poor performance this season has put Giannis' loyalty to the test, and his willingness to stay could depend on the Bucks' ability to quickly turn things around and build a contender around him.

The details

Giannis has been with the Bucks since they drafted him in 2013, and he has been loyal to the organization, even signing contract extensions in the past. However, the Bucks' struggles this season, including a 19-29 record and a 12th-place standing in the Eastern Conference, have tested his patience. Giannis has expressed frustration with the team's inconsistent play and lack of chemistry, saying he is not used to fighting for a playoff spot. He believes the Bucks can turn things around with the right moves, including using their three first-round picks this offseason to improve the roster.

  • Giannis suffered a right soleus (calf) strain during the Bucks' game against the Denver Nuggets on January 23, 2026.
  • The NBA trade deadline is less than 48 hours away as of the time of this interview.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and the face of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise, Giannis has been with the team since they drafted him in 2013. He has expressed a strong desire to win another championship in Milwaukee.

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has started listening to trade offers for Giannis for the first time in the star's career.

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What they’re saying

“Brother, if you ask me deep down what I want today, I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career. I want to win here, another championship. And if you can tell me that's possible, let's just hang up the phone.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA Player

“People, my agent, my physio (physiotherapist), people that love me, were like, 'What the f— are you doing?' That's not me. I will go down swinging. It doesn't matter, good or bad. You know why? I have trusted God until this point, and God always had a plan for me.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA Player

What’s next

The Bucks will have to decide in the next 48 hours whether they believe they can still build a contender around Giannis in Milwaukee or if they need to trade him to start a new rebuilding process.

The takeaway

Giannis' loyalty to Milwaukee is clear, but his desire to win another championship is equally strong. The Bucks will have to make tough decisions at the trade deadline to determine if they can quickly turn things around and give Giannis the chance to chase greatness in the city he loves.