Giannis Antetokounmpo said Wednesday he remains committed to the Milwaukee Bucks, telling reporters he is “locked in” despite an ESPN report that the New York Knicks explored trade possibilities with Milwaukee over the summer.
“I’ve said this many times, I want to be in a situation where I can win, and right now I’m here,” the two-time MVP said, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm. “I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. The rest does not matter.”
Antetokounmpo added that his stance could change, noting, “If in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want. But I’m locked in — to this team, to these guys, to this coaching staff, and to myself.”
Head coach Doc Rivers dismissed the reported discussions with New York, calling them “a one-sided phone call blown out of proportion.” Rivers said every front office routinely fields inquiries, adding, “I read where it said several conversations. Well, that never happened. It was a call, and (general manager Jon Horst) said no — like he has for 11 years. Jon has never called a team about Giannis. That’s never happened.”
The 29-year-old forward has two guaranteed seasons left on his max contract, followed by a player option for 2027-28. Last season, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting above 60 percent from the field, even as Milwaukee posted its roughest regular-season record since 2017-18 and exited the playoffs early.
For now, Antetokounmpo remains at the center of the Bucks’ plans, with the league keeping a close watch on Milwaukee’s next steps.
Source: Hoops Wire
