For over a decade, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the Milwaukee Bucks. Drafted 15th overall in 2013, he didn’t just grow into a superstar, he transformed an entire franchise, a city, and the global perception of what a small‑market team could be. But now, with the Bucks sitting 17–24, 11th in the East, and league insiders quietly waiting on a possible trade request before February 5th 2026, the NBA is confronting a sentence that once felt impossible: Giannis might be leaving Milwaukee.
What Giannis Has Meant to Milwaukee
Before Giannis, the Bucks were irrelevant. After Giannis, they were champions. He delivered Milwaukee’s first title in 50 years in 2021, capped by a historic 50‑point Finals closeout, earning Finals MVP and cementing himself as a franchise icon. His loyalty mattered just as much as the banners. Multiple extensions, no public drama, and constant commitment turned Milwaukee into a global brand. Attendance rose. Merchandise exploded. The Bucks became must‑watch basketball.
Off the court, Giannis invested in the community, funding youth programs, supporting local businesses during the pandemic, and representing the city with humility and pride. He didn’t just play for Milwaukee. He chose Milwaukee.
From Raw Prospect to All‑Time Force
Giannis’ career arc is one of the most dramatic in NBA history.
- Early years (2013–2016): Raw, skinny, averaging under 13 PPG, but flashing elite athleticism.
- Breakout (2016–2019): Most Improved Player (2017), back‑to‑back MVPs (2019, 2020), Defensive Player of the Year (2020), and multiple 60‑win seasons.
- Championship era (2020–2022): Silenced doubts with the 2021 title.
- Post‑title years (2022–present): Still dominant individually, but team success declined after the Damian Lillard experiment collapsed, leading to roster overhauls like signing Myles Turner.
Career averages through 2024–25: 23.4 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 54.5% FG, with 8 All‑Star selections, 7 All‑NBA teams, and 5 All‑Defence honours. Giannis didn’t just redefine Milwaukee, he redefined the modern power forward.
The 2025–26 Reality Check
This season has been brutal. When Giannis sits, the Bucks post a 107.6 offensive rating, worst in the NBA. They are 3–11 without him, exposing a roster built almost entirely on his presence.
Giannis’ 2025–26 averages:
28.8 PPG | 9.5 RPG | 5.5 APG | 58.2% FG | 34.5 MPG
Team context:
Milwaukee ranks bottom‑10 in rebounds and blocks, lacks depth, and relies heavily on Giannis to remain competitive. Kevin Porter Jr. (17.1 PPG, 7.5 APG) and Myles Turner (12.2 PPG, 1.5 BPG) help, but balance is missing.
Injuries and Exhaustion
Giannis has already missed 14 games with ankle, groin, knee, and adductor issues. Key rotation players like Taurean Prince and Gary Harris have also been sidelined. The message is clear: the margin for error is gone.
The Contract Clock Is Ticking
Giannis is in Year 1 of a 3‑year, $175.4M extension:
- 2025–26: $54.1M
- 2026–27: $58.5M
- 2027–28: $62.8M (player option)
He can opt out in 2027, and while there’s no no‑trade clause, his leverage is enormous. Milwaukee knows it.
The Emotional Crossroads
Leaving wouldn’t erase his legacy, it would complete it. He delivered everything he promised. The front office missteps, the failed Lillard era, and limited assets have boxed the Bucks into stagnation. Loyalty is powerful, but championships define careers.
Positive sentiment: Giannis staying forever would be one of the greatest loyalty stories in sports history.
Negative sentiment: Staying too long risks turning greatness into wasted years.
Three Teams That Make Sense
Thunder: Elite young core, unlimited picks, instant contention, but unproven playoff experience.
Heat: Culture, defence, and immediate contention, but aging stars and limited assets.
Knicks: Big‑market energy, Brunson pairing, title ceiling, but media pressure and fit questions.
Giannis gave Milwaukee everything. The only question left is whether Milwaukee can still give him what he deserves.
