After months of trade speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo stayed put at this month’s deadline, with the Bucks reportedly entertaining offers but not engaging in serious back-and-forth negotiations with interested teams.
In response to the lack of a deal, Antetokounmpo took to social media, writing, “Legends don’t chase. They attract” (Instagram video link) and indicating that as long as he’s in Milwaukee, he’s committed to the team. He reiterated that sentiment at All-Star weekend, per ESPN.
“What I’ve said from the beginning of this year is that, out of my mouth and the way I’ve carried myself, you will never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck,” the two-time MVP told ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
However, he also offered his usual caveat, leaving the door open for his position to change down the road.
“As of today, I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks,” Giannis said, echoing previous remarks he has made throughout the year. Antetokounmpo also didn’t deny that the idea of playing for another team has crossed his mind.
“Growing up, you dream, ‘Oh, what if I played for the Knicks, Madison Square Garden,'” he said. “‘What if I get drafted by the Lakers and I’m teammates with Kobe Bryant? What if I go play for the Cavs and LeBron [James] passes me the ball?‘”
While Antetokounmpo made clear that getting back to competing for championships is paramount — he likened it to trying a delicious steak and not being able to get it out of your head — he doubled down on his commitment to the Bucks, at least for the rest of the season.
“This is my team, and I love it,” he said.
Antetokounmpo also spoke to Eric Nehm of The Athletic about his recent investment in the Chelsea Women’s soccer club.
On February 7, Antetokounmpo announced (via Twitter) that he had joined the ownership group for the club alongside Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
“Chelsea’s history speaks for itself, and I’m excited to contribute to the future by supporting continued growth and impact in women’s sport,” he wrote in the post. “This is about ambition, legacy, and pushing the game to new heights.”
Speaking to Nehm, Antetokounmpo expressed that doing something to amplify women’s sport appealed to him.
“[Ohanian] was telling me how he wants to make a difference and do things that his daughters can remember him for, and I was like, ‘Damn, I didn’t even think about that,'” Antetokounmpo said. “… He was like… ‘I’m trying to keep on pushing forward and investing in women’s sports and just change the narrative around that.’ And I said, ‘Hey, I mean, just let me know when and what I gotta do,’ and then the opportunity came to my desk of investing and being a minority owner of Chelsea Women. I was like, ‘Say less. I want to do it.'”
It’s unclear how big a stake the Greek star has in the club, according to Nehm, who points out that this spring could be an opportunity for the new minority owner to get some face time with the team, given that the Bucks are currently on outside of the playoff picture.
“This is probably the only offseason that I’m going to have that I’ll be able to probably go out there and be around the team, meet the players, meet the staff and see what it’s about,” Antetokounmpo said.
Zzzzzzzz
It’s like he keeps saying he wants to stay so we keep finding ways to think it means the opposite. This has become so virulent that people are on this magical speculation bandwagon. Can’t wait to see all the stories in June just to watch him suit up for the Bucks next season.
I think both parties can agree on one thing and that’s keeping a microphone away from me is best for all
At this point a media member at a press conference should remind him since he loves it so much there he can sign an extension today.
Giannis become extension elidgible for a 4 year 275m contract on October 1, 2026. Why would a member of the media try to keep him from that? If you know something the rest of us don’t please tell us.
Oh it’s very simple. If he wants to play these games challenge him on it. It’s silly that everyone knows he’s been working for a trade without being the one to demand it. It’s just childish.
Think about all the gnashing of teeth if he actually re-signs with Milwaukee.
Yeah, we all know Giannis loves the Bucks and wants to be a 1-teamer. Problem is, the Bucks ownership does not feel the same way about Giannis. Giannis doesn’t have to say this, but the team sure does.
“Greatness attracts”. Who? Myles Turner? Kyle Kuzma? lol
I wonder….
Pierce attracted KG & Allen.
Wade attracted Bron and Bosh.
Hakeem attracted Drexler.
Steph attracted KD.
All better cities to be in than Milwaukee!
Ain’t nothing wrong with Turner!
Ask him about his Kalshi investment
The fact that there’s always a caveat with Giannis speaks volumes. If you want to stay period there is no caveat. This is PR 101. The fact that it’s always added at the end just means he wants to play both sides.
And it does make some sense. If by some miracle the Bucks overperform the rest of the year and can swing a deal in the offseason to acquire more talent, maybe that level of being competitive would be enough for him to stay. They wouldn’t be anywhere near championship contenders, but it could make him less likely to be moved.
But, of course, we all know what the far more likely outcome is. Nothing has changed on that front.
Stop talking and sign the extension….don’t talk about it, be about it.
He cannot do that even if he wanted to until October.
He can formally say “In October for sure I’m signing the extension “.
But, wouldn’t that be him talking about it?