ESPN’s Shams Charania reiterated his belief that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain. Despite spending his entire career with the franchise, Charania said Giannis is still weighing his options, driven by a desire to compete for more championships.
Amid all the NBA offseason movement, ESPN’s Shams Charania joined First Take to discuss the status of 30-year-old Bucks superstar. Although Antetokounmpo isn’t expected to make a decision anytime soon, Charania noted that several teams are keeping a close watch in case he becomes available through a trade. According to ESPN Milwaukee, Charania pointed out that Milwaukee’s chances of chasing a second championship in four seasons will play a major role in shaping Giannis’ long-term future with the franchise.
"He's still in his process of evaluating – asking himself some hard questions." @ShamsCharania on Giannis's future in Milwaukee. #fearthedeer pic.twitter.com/PC5MvLObiM
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) August 4, 2025
“I think he’s still in his process of evaluating, asking himself some hard questions,” said the veteran sports analyst. “And the questions I’ve heard since the day of the Myles Turner trade and the Damian Lillard search-and-waive, is can I win another championship in Milwaukee? Can I win with this roster? Not only next season, but in 2026, 2027, because in all likelihood, this roster is pretty much going to be the roster this upcoming year, the year after that.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks this coming season
By bringing in Myles Turner and Kevin Porter Jr., re-signing Bobby Portis, and adding veteran guard Cole Anthony, the Bucks strengthened their roster to show Giannis Antetokounmpo they’re serious about building a championship team around him.
After hinting at doubts surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reinforced the uncertainty, noting the two-time MVP is still weighing his options. According to Charania on ESPN’s Get Up, how the 2025-26 season unfolds could heavily influence whether Giannis remains in Milwaukee.
“Sources tell me there’s still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving. And so, he’s continuing to evaluate his future,” Charania added.
Milwaukee claimed its second championship in franchise history by defeating the Phoenix Suns in 2021, but the team has struggled to maintain that momentum. After falling to the Celtics in the 2022 second round, the Bucks have suffered three straight first-round playoff exits. Their performance in the 2025-26 season could be a major factor in whether Giannis Antetokounmpo chooses to stay long-term or explore other options.
How Milwaukee performs in the 2025-26 Eastern Conference could heavily sway Giannis Antetokounmpo’s choice to either stay with the franchise for the long haul or explore other opportunities.
