Giannis Antetokounmpo hints at finishing career away from the NBA

“Yes. Last year, after the pre-Olympic, I was sitting with Thanasis, I told you, we were watching some highlights and I said to him, ‘hey Thanasis…’ Look now, he was looking at me like I was crazy. The best player in the world, one of the best players in the world, to come and play in Europe? Is this happening? Of course it can,” the Bucks superstar remarked.

“Is this happening?” Sports24.gr asked.

“Of course it can. If you tell Jokic that he would get about the same money and be in Serbia, he would do it. Okay, I think a lot about my body. Certainly the amounts are very different and not only the amounts. The organization is completely different, you’ve been to the NBA, you’ve seen how things are. But every year I play for the National Team, I always say the same thing.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo and fam in Greece

Antetokounmpo stressed that family factors could heavily shape his decision.

“I told my wife. I said, ‘What do you prefer? Stay in Greece or go to Milwaukee?’ She looks at me and says, ‘Athens. Athens. It’s good in Athens.’ I say, ‘Okay, think about it.’ I think the game is much more physical here. You take more hits, but there aren’t any bodies to take the hits. Do you understand?” he continued.

Giannis acknowledged the major financial and organizational gaps between the NBA and European basketball but said he would still consider making the move if the right circumstances arise.

The possibility of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo returning to Greece holds major significance for both the EuroLeague and Greek basketball. Born and raised in Athens, Antetokounmpo has consistently shown pride in representing his country on the international stage.

For now, Giannis has shifted his focus back to the NBA. The Bucks begin training camp on Sept. 29 and tip off their regular season against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 22. As he enters his 13th year, Antetokounmpo looks to push Milwaukee back into the hunt for an Eastern Conference title.