Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, for the second year in a row, were sent home early, losing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Indiana Pacers. Despite the fact that Giannis had his fourth career postseason triple-double, the Bucks were unable to hold off the Pacers in the final minute of the game, allowing Tyrese Halliburton to score the go-ahead basket with 1.3 seconds left on a driving layup.
Even before the loss, which saw Giannis post 30 points, 20 rebounds, 13 assists, two steals, and two blocks (the first such game in NBA playoffs history), there were rumblings that the two-time MVP would request a trade this offseason due to Milwaukee’s inability to win another Championship.
After the game, when asked about his future with the Bucks, Giannis would only say, “I’m not going to do this…whatever I say it’s not going to translate…I wish I was still playing.”
And so, as another offseason begins that will be rife with trade rumors, here are three reasons the Greek Freak will be staying put.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Not Abandon Damian Lillard on the Milwaukee Bucks
As Bucks fans are more than well aware, Milwaukee lost their second superstar, Damian Lillard, to a torn Achilles in Game Four. The injury will likely cost the nine-time All-Star, who averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists this year, most (but likely, all) of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Prior to Game Five, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers revealed the short message Lillard had for him and the team: “I am not going out this way. I will be back. And I will be great.”
Milwaukee traded for Lillard for one reason and one reason only: to win a title. And while that goal seems very far away right now, the fact of the matter is that Giannis and Lillard have unfinished business.
It would also be against the Greek Freak’s character to abandon his teammate on a this Bucks team, a team that both stars have poured their heart and souls into, because of a postseason loss.
They have only played one full playoff game together. It stands to reason that they would like more.
2. The Milwaukee Bucks Can Pay Giannis Antetokounmpo More Than Any Other NBA Team
Late last week, it was reported that the Bucks had agreed to a contract extension with their general manager, Jon Horst. And while Horst was not the executive who drafted Giannis (that was John Hammond), he was the one who has negotiated each of his MVP’s supermax contracts.
It is well-documented that Giannis cares about winning more than anything. It is also well-documented (though conveniently under-reported) that he wants to do that in Milwaukee.
To put it plainly, Giannis also cares about being paid. This is not a negative thing either. Every NBA player, every professional athlete, every person wants to be paid what their worth.
And no NBA team, based on the CBA agreement, can offer him more money than the Bucks can (because they are the team that drafted him). As one of the most marketable professional athletes in the world, Giannis has no shortage of endorsement deals, which means he does not need to go to a bigger NBA market to get them.
Additionally, leaving Milwaukee would, in the long run, cost him tens of millions of dollars because he would not be under contract with them and, therefore, unable to sign for the larger amount they can (and will) offer.
3. The Milwaukee Bucks Want to Win with Giannis Antetokounmpo
There are many things that can be said about what Giannis means to the city of Milwaukee, but it is worth noting that just as much can be said about what the city means to him.
Perhaps it is best to just let his own words speak for themselves. This is what he told the media after he signed his latest contract extension, less than two years ago:
“Milwaukee is where I started my career, it’s our home, it’s where we’re raising our family, and it’s where I’m going to continue to work hard every day to make Bucks fans proud. I want to thank Bucks owners Wes, Jamie, Jimmy and Dee for their continuous support of me and my family, and I want to express my appreciation to Jon Horst for being a trusted partner who has been with me since the day I arrived in Milwaukee 10 years ago.
“To my teammates and coaches, I will always be grateful to you for inspiring me to be my best every day. Together, we are committed to winning and bringing another championship to our city. And to Bucks fans, let’s get it!”
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- NBA Analyst Suggests Bucks Trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to Houston Rockets
- Kevin Porter Jr. Said Bucks Could Make History After 3-1 Series Deficit
- “This Is a Tough One;” Doc Rivers Gets Honest on Damian Lillard Injury
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