Giannis Antetokounmpo Says He Could Leave NBA To Finish Career Overseas

Giannis Antetokounmpo has built a Hall of Fame career in the NBA, but he isn’t ruling out the idea of finishing his journey overseas. In an interview with Greek outlet Sport24, the Bucks star revealed he’s thought about playing in Europe before retirement, even discussing it with his brother Thanasis and his wife.

"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," said Giannis, via Sport24. "The best player in the world, one of the best players in the world, to come and play in Europe?"

Giannis's ties to his country are deeper than his ties to the NBA. Like other European superstars, he has a particular taste for the international game, and the same is true for Nikola Jokic, who might be overseas right now if the money were comparable.

"If you tell Jokic that he would get about the same money and be in Serbia, he would do it...I told my wife," added Giannis. "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.'" 

In the wake of EuroBasket 2025, we saw how intense the European market can get. With several superstars in attendance, including Giannis, Jokic, and Luka Doncic, the tournament generated unprecedented interest and brought a new level of exposure to the international game.

While Greece didn't advance very far this year, Giannis clearly values the experience, and he says the talent gap isn't that wide. According to him and players like Luka Doncic, the European game is more refined with an emphasis on teamwork, two-way play, and a selfless approach on the court.

The rules and traditions of the Euroleague make it an easier watch, and the players will testify that it can actually make things more challenging. For Giannis, playing in Europe full-time wouldn't be just about the basketball. Rather, it'd be about playing at home, where he's the most comfortable.

Born in Athens, Antetokounmpo already has deep roots in the city, and his family holds a special bond with the place. He and his brother came out of poverty in Greece, and he still plays for the country every chance he gets. He even values a gold medal over an NBA championship.

Still, cutting short his NBA stint for more time in Europe would be an unexpected turn for Giannis. At 30 years old, he's still in the prime of his career, coming off averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game last season. Still, if not for his ridiculously high salary ($54.1 million next season), he might not be in the NBA at all.

For now, at least, Giannis isn’t leaving Milwaukee, but his openness about a possible Euroleague stint shows how much his roots still matter to him and may suggest an early exit from the NBA in the future. Whether he finishes his career in Athens or rides out the rest of his prime in the league, the message is clear: family and home will always weigh just as heavily as championships and accolades in his decision-making.