Giannis Antetokounmpo stressed his commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks while acknowledging his pursuit of another NBA title during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews at NBA All-Star Weekend.
“As of today, I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks,” the two-time MVP said. “I’m committed to the people that I work with, my teammates, the coaching staff, Coach Doc [Rivers] and [GM] Jon [Horst] in the front office. You will never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck.”
Trade Rumors Quiet — For Now
League sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that Antetokounmpo had been open to a move for months and that Milwaukee considered offers from the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves before the Feb. 5, 2026, trade deadline. No trade materialized, and both sides are expected to revisit the possibility in the offseason, according to those sources.
Minutes after the deadline passed, Antetokounmpo posted on Instagram, “Legends don’t chase. They attract,” alongside a scene from The Wolf of Wall Street in which the main character declares he is not leaving his job. In January he told The Athletic, “There will never be a moment that I will come out and say, ‘I want a trade.’”
Childhood What-Ifs
The 11-year veteran said he once imagined playing for other franchises, picturing scenarios at Madison Square Garden, alongside Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers, or receiving a pass from LeBron James in Cleveland. He added that he has considered how he would fit with recent championship rosters such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics.
Bucks’ Current Situation
Milwaukee enters the All-Star break at 23-30, 12th in the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since Jan. 23 with a strained right calf, though Rivers said last week the organization does not plan to shut down its star.
Selected to the All-Star Game, Antetokounmpo will not participate in Sunday’s inaugural U.S. vs. World showcase.
Still Hungry for More
Reflecting on the Bucks’ 2020-21 championship, Antetokounmpo compared the feeling to tasting a delicious steak. “You want that steak again,” he said, reiterating his desire for a second ring while maintaining, “This is my team, and I love it.”
Source: ESPN
