Giannis Antetokounmpo Reiterates Commitment to Milwaukee Bucks

NBA Superstar Discusses Potential Future Moves, But Remains Loyal to Current Team

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, has once again stated his commitment to the team, despite hinting at potential interest in playing for other NBA franchises in the past. In a recent interview, Antetokounmpo acknowledged his past dreams of playing for teams like the Knicks, Lakers, and Cavaliers, but emphasized that the Bucks are 'his team' and that he 'loves it' in Milwaukee.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks has been a topic of speculation for years, as the team has struggled to win a championship since his arrival. His comments about his commitment to the team, as well as his openness about considering other options, highlight the delicate balance between player loyalty and the desire to win at the highest level.

The details

In the interview, Antetokounmpo acknowledged that he has wondered how he would fit with recent NBA champions like the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder. He also admitted that the Bucks' recent struggles, with the team sitting at 23-30 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, have reignited his craving for a championship. However, he emphasized that the Bucks are 'his team' and that he loves the city of Milwaukee.

  • Antetokounmpo made these comments in an interview that aired on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday in November 2020 after a couple of embarrassing postseason collapses that sparked concerns that Antetokounmpo would leave Milwaukee instead of signing a supermax.
  • The Bucks then flipped Holiday for Damian Lillard two years after winning a championship, following Antetokounmpo's declaration that he wouldn't sign an extension until he knew the team was committed to winning another title.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A star player for the Milwaukee Bucks who has hinted at potential interest in playing for other NBA franchises in the past, but has now reiterated his commitment to the team.

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 (Rivers) and (general manager) Jon (Horst) in the front office. What I've said from the beginning of this year is that, out of my mouth and the way I've carried myself, you will never hear me say I don't want to be a Milwaukee Buck.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (ESPN)

“Growing up, you dream, 'Oh, what if I played for the Knicks, Madison Square Garden? What if I get drafted by the Lakers and I'm teammates with Kobe? What if I go play for the Cavs and LeBron passes me the ball?'”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (ESPN)

“You want that steak again.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bucks and Antetokounmpo are expected to re-examine a possible trade this offseason, as the team's struggles have reignited the star's desire to win a championship.

The takeaway

Antetokounmpo's comments highlight the delicate balance between player loyalty and the desire to win at the highest level. While he has reiterated his commitment to the Bucks, his openness about considering other options suggests that the team's future success will be a key factor in determining his long-term future in Milwaukee.