A source close to Antetokounmpo blows up his relationship with the Bucks

The 2025/26 NBA season has started without a clear harmony between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. As known, the player wanted to leave after another disappointment in the last playoffs, and the franchise negotiated his trade with the New York Knicks. Things didn't work out, and both had no choice but to resolve their differences, which may resurface after the latest event.

Less than a year away from entering a crucial stage of his career, the two-time MVP is approaching a pivotal decision: sign a new extension with the Bucks during the 2026 preseason or open the door to a trade that could shake up the league's balance.

The scenario is not new for Milwaukee or for Antetokounmpo himself. The Greek player has used his influence on more than one occasion to steer the franchise. It happened in 2020, when the management responded to his pressure by adding Jrue Holiday, and again in 2023, following the move that brought Damian Lillard to the team. In both cases, the outcome was similar: Giannis renewed his commitment to the Bucks after confirming the project's ambition.

However, last summer marked a turning point. Milwaukee decided to waive and stretch Lillard's contract to bring in center Myles Turner, a move that, according to various sources, Antetokounmpo cautiously accepted before confirming his continuity.

Now, with a player option for the 2027-28 season, the future of the Greek star is once again a subject of speculation. If he doesn't sign an extension in 2026, he could become a free agent in 2027, leading several teams to closely monitor his situation.

A source close to the player has stirred up the situation again by revealing the stance of Giannis' circle with a statement: "You always have to keep the management under control."

Player and Team Statements

Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo has tried to maintain a balanced discourse between loyalty and competitive demand. In recent statements, he reiterated his commitment to the team, although he made it clear that his future will depend on the organization's direction:

"I've said it many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win. I've told my teammates and the people I respect and care about that, once I put on this jersey, nothing else matters. I'm committed to what lies ahead. Now if I change my mind in six or seven months, I think that's also human."

From Milwaukee, official voices seek to convey calmness. A team source told ESPN that the differences between the player and the management are not as significant as perceived from the outside: "There is no greater difference than the external perception compared to what happens internally."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Una fuente cercana a Antetokounmpo dinamita su relación con los Bucks