The Milwaukee Bucks superstar made his feelings known heading into Thursday's trade deadline.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has spent the last several weeks at the center of NBA trade speculation, with teams like the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks all linked to the two-time MVP.
Through it all, the 31-year-old forward has maintained that he would never request a trade while also acknowledging that the Bucks need to put together a roster capable of competing for a championship.
What Giannis Said About His Future
When asked if he would commit to another season in Milwaukee if the team could convince him they would be in position to win consistently, Antetokounmpo did not hesitate.
"You're saying that if they can convince me to stay within the team, and the next year that we can compete? Oh yeah, 1,000 percent," Antetokounmpo said in an interview with The Athletic. "One million percent."
The quote offers a glimpse into what the franchise cornerstone truly wants: a chance to win another championship in Milwaukee.
He has repeatedly stated his desire to finish his career with the Bucks, the organization that drafted him 15th overall in 2013 and watched him develop into one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Where the Bucks Stand Right Now
The problem is that the Bucks currently sit at 19-29, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference with the trade deadline arriving Thursday afternoon.
Antetokounmpo has missed significant time due to injuries, including a calf strain that has kept him out since January 23, and before going down he was putting together another dominant campaign with averages of 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 64 percent from the field.
Why a Trade Might Still Make Sense
Even with Antetokounmpo expressing willingness to stay, there are reasons to believe a trade could benefit both parties.
The Bucks have limited flexibility to add talent around their star after sending valuable draft picks to Portland in the Damian Lillard deal that ultimately did not pan out.
Teams like the Warriors have emerged as top suitors, offering packages that could include young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski along with multiple first-round picks.
For Milwaukee, such a return could accelerate a rebuild while allowing Antetokounmpo to chase a championship with a contender during his prime.
The Timberwolves have also been aggressive in their pursuit, with reports indicating that playing alongside Anthony Edwards sits at the top of Antetokounmpo's list if he were to be traded.
Antetokounmpo can opt out of his contract after the 2026-27 season and becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in October, so those looming decisions add urgency to whatever direction Milwaukee chooses to take.
The Bucks must decide whether they believe they can build a contender around Antetokounmpo or whether trading him now maximizes their return for the future.
For now, Antetokounmpo remains a Milwaukee Buck, and his words suggest he is not looking for a way out.
He wants to win in the city where his father is buried, where his children were born, and where he led the franchise to its first championship in 50 years back in 2021.