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Giannis Antetokounmpo is ‘open minded’ about leaving Bucks for new team

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated May 13, 2025 2:22 PM ET

A new space has hit the Milwaukee Bucks’ organization for the first time in 12 years.

Giannis Antetokounmpo brought ratings and an NBA Championship (2020-21 season) to a small market franchise in Wisconsin and has been one of the most exciting, yet dominating faces in the league. He is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player award winner, nine-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team selection, and four-time NBA All-Defensive First Team, but Antetokoumnpo is now seriously considering a new home. According to multiple NBA insiders, including ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokoumnpo is ‘open minded’ about exploring other options this offseason aside from the Bucks.

Joining @GetUpESPN on the summit of Bucks two-time MVP and 2021 champion Giannis Antetokounmpo as he explores best potential fits outside Milwaukee: pic.twitter.com/CQCJMtdDEv

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 12, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo is “open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere”, Shams says

He is reportedly ‘intrigued’ by the idea of playing in a state with no income tax, per Sam Amico. pic.twitter.com/es72kSShGN

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) May 13, 2025

The 30-year-old wants to continue winning championships and will be disappointed if he cannot win more than one.

Brooklyn was the first team that oddsmakers had linked to Antetokounmpo as a trade option, but now Houston and San Antonio have jumped in the mix. He’s averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, five assists, and 1.2 blocks for his career on 55.1 percent shooting from the field. Antetokounmpo recorded a double-double in points and rebounds for an eighth straight season, totaling 30.4 points and 11.9 boards per game. He got bounced from the playoffs in the first round for a third consecutive season and it is frustrating. We will see what his move becomes, but he is now open to leaving Milwaukee.

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

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