Giannis Antetokounmpo: "I will never request a transfer, it's not in my nature"

Giannis Antetokounmpo has once again addressed the rumors about his future. After the Wednesday defeat against Golden State, the star of the Milwaukee Bucks spoke with Sam Amick from The Athletic, and delivered his strongest message to date: he is fully committed to the franchise, and his intention is to stay in Milwaukee for the entirety of his career.

Antetokounmpo was clear when asked about the possibility of requesting a trade at some point. "There will never be an opportunity, nor a moment, where I will come out and say that I want a trade. That is not... in... my... nature," he said, emphasizing the last words with a deliberate pause.

His statements come after months of speculation, which started last spring when the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year and Damian Lillard suffered an Achilles tendon injury. During the summer, Milwaukee made drastic moves in their roster aiming to build a team capable of going far in the postseason alongside Antetokounmpo. These moves included parting ways with Lillard and bringing in center Myles Turner.

However, in October, it was revealed that the Bucks and Knicks briefly discussed a possible trade for Giannis, after the player himself showed some interest in New York. Additionally, in December, it was reported that the player's camp had reopened conversations with the franchise about his future.

The role of the agent and the "third parties"

Antetokounmpo himself later clarified that these conversations took place between the Bucks and his agent, Alex Saratsis, and not directly with him. This message was reiterated to Amick. "I keep saying that conversations that happen between other individuals, third parties, are things I cannot control," he explained. "I cannot control what you discuss with my agent, with my best friend, or with my chef. I can only control what comes out of my mouth. And not once have I shown that I am not involved with this team."

The Greek even challenged to pinpoint a moment on the court or an interview where he conveyed otherwise, expressing his frustration at his words being doubted. Antetokounmpo reiterated that his priority is basketball and the immediate present of the Bucks.

"I am not going anywhere. I am involved with this team. I want to turn the situation around, play good basketball, stay healthy, help my teammates, and win games," he stated, pointing out the team's 4-2 record in the last six games. "I am fully committed. My priority is to stay healthy."

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These words represent his strongest commitment in recent months and temper the expectations of teams hoping for a possible move before the February 5 trade deadline. Despite his overall firmness, Giannis added a nuance explaining why the debate continues. When directly asked if he has definitively decided not to leave Milwaukee, he responded: "As of today. You know how they say with your partner or your wife: you always have to say 'as of today'."

Far from being bothered by the fact that this way of expressing himself fuels doubts, Antetokounmpo stated that it doesn't affect him. He used personal examples to explain his perspective: relationships that work today can change tomorrow, whether with close people or even with the team's general manager Jon Horst.

"As of today, I am committed—not 100%, but a million percent—to my teammates, to my work, to this team, and to this city," he affirmed. "I don't look right or left. I only look at the next game, which is against the Lakers, and I want to win it. We want to string together wins before the All-Star break and get back in the fight. We're currently eleventh, and that's not us."

MVP-level Performance Despite Poor Ranking

In terms of performance, the Bucks hold a record of 16-21 and are one game behind the Bulls for the last play-in spot in the East. However, when Antetokounmpo has been on the court, the team has a 13-10 record. Individually, Giannis maintains MVP-caliber numbers: 29.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game in an average of 29 minutes, with shooting percentages of 64.5% from the field, 40.6% from three-point range, and 65.5% from the free-throw line.

This season, Antetokounmpo earns $54.1 million. He has $58.5 million guaranteed for the 2026-27 season and a player option of $62.8 million for 2027-28. Moreover, he will be eligible for a contract extension starting next October. For now, and at least "as of today," Giannis insists that his sole focus is on Milwaukee and getting the Bucks out of a ranking situation that, in his opinion, does not reflect the team's true identity.