Giannis Antetokounmpo Reiterates Commitment to Bucks After Trade Deadline

Bucks star says he would never leave Milwaukee by his own choice

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Despite trade rumors circulating for nearly a year, Giannis Antetokounmpo reiterated his loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks in a recent interview. The Bucks star said he would never directly say he wants a trade out of Milwaukee, and that the team is his and he loves it. Antetokounmpo admitted he used to dream of playing alongside NBA legends on other teams, but that leaving the Bucks would never be his first choice.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's biggest stars, and his commitment to the Bucks is crucial for the team's long-term success. His comments should provide relief to Bucks fans who were concerned about the possibility of him leaving the team in the near future.

The details

In an interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews ahead of the NBA All-Star Game, Antetokounmpo said he is "committed to the Milwaukee Bucks" and the "people that I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, coach Doc and Jon in the front office." He emphasized that "you will never hear me say I don't want to be a Milwaukee Buck" and that he is "a winner and I'm extremely loyal." Antetokounmpo admitted he used to dream of playing alongside NBA legends on other teams, but leaving the Bucks would never be his first choice.

  • The trade deadline came and went earlier this month.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A star player for the Milwaukee Bucks who has reiterated his commitment to the team despite trade rumors.

Malika Andrews

An ESPN reporter who interviewed Antetokounmpo.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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What they’re saying

“As of today I'm committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, I'm committed to the people that I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, coach Doc and Jon in the front office...you will never hear me say I don't want to be a Milwaukee Buck. I am a winner and I'm extremely loyal.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Player (ESPN)

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's continued commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks should provide reassurance to the team's fans that he is unlikely to leave the franchise in the near future, despite persistent trade rumors. His loyalty and desire to win with the Bucks are clear, and this should help the team maintain stability and focus on building a championship contender around their superstar.