Giannis Antetokounmpo sends clear message on future as NBA awaits his next move

Still, everything appeared business as usual when Giannis took the floor for the Bucks in his first preseason game against the Chicago Bulls, and that sense of normalcy is expected to carry over once the regular season begins.

“On October 22, I’ll be out there dressed, ready to go. So, it doesn’t really matter how I feel. Even if I feel good or bad. What matters is 82 ahead of us. Best ability is availability,” the Greek Freak explained in his post-game interview via EuroHoops’ Johnny Askounis.

Giannis Antetokounmopo with the Bucks

The Bucks edged the Bulls 127-121 to improve to 3-0 in preseason play. They’ll wrap up their exhibition schedule on October 15 with a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Greek superstar played 21 minutes and 28 seconds in Chicago, posting 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting from two-point range while adding ten rebounds and three assists. His brother, Thanasis, remained on the bench under Doc Rivers’ direction.

For the home team, Lithuanian forward Matas Buzelis led the scoring with 19 points, while Montenegrin center Nikola Vucevic contributed six points, nine rebounds, and three assists. French guard Noa Essengue added five points, three steals, two rebounds, and one assist.

The 2025-26 season is widely viewed as a “make-or-break” year for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future, with reports suggesting he favors a potential move to the New York Knicks. Still, Giannis has made it clear that his focus is on the season ahead and that any decisions about his future will come once it’s over.

That assurance means the Bucks can count on Giannis to remain their cornerstone through the end of the season, at least for now. He essentially confirmed as much during the postgame press conference following another commanding performance.

Fans are hoping Giannis Antetokounmpo keeps up this mindset, though it’s widely understood that his future could hinge on how competitive the Bucks are in the season ahead.