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ESPN analyst says Giannis Antetokounmpo staying in Milwaukee is ‘good for NBA’

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 4:34 PM ET

He wants to continue to win championships in the NBA, but there is an old school feel to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Trade rumors were happening around him this offseason, but the 2021 NBA Champion and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player silenced those in a recent interview. He told eurohoops.net he hopes to be back in the Finals soon and he wants to do it with the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo, 30, has been with Milwaukee since 2013 as the No. 15 overall pick of the NBA Draft.

In a time where stars want to join other stars for championships, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo sees refreshment with the nine-time All-Star wanting to remain with the Bucks. The ESPN analyst explained why he liked the move on Wednesday’s First Take.

“He’s a Buck when he got in, and I’d love to see him be a Buck when he’s finished.”@MadDogUnleashed believes it is “good for the NBA” if Giannis stays in Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/i2UB0kqpV7

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 11, 2025

“I think that it is good for the league and for that small market, it is perfect,” Russo said. “Kareem left, that was a long time ago, and he got his championship. Giannis could leave, he’s won his championship too, but I love it. I think it is perfect for the NBA. We don’t have to listen to all the Giannis trade chatter in the summer months. It is not always sweeter on the other side.”

Russo mentioned how awful it has been for Kevin Durant since leaving Golden State after winning two NBA titles and grabbing two Finals MVP awards.

“Not always when a big star wants to leave does it work out,” he said. “Let him stay. I love it, it is good for the NBA. Having a guy start and end his career in one city is something sports has missed a lot in the last 10 to 15 years.”

Antetokounmpo was a Buck when he entered the league, and Russo ‘would love to see him be a Buck when he’s finished.’

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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