Giannis Antetokounmpo rejects Bucks governor's claim sparks early camp drama 3 Feb 23, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo sparks fresh drama with bold ultimatum on Bucks championship future

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 1:04 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been upfront about his plans for the rest of his NBA career. The nine-time All-Star is determined to win and wants to be with a team that shows the same level of commitment to chasing championships.

Although Antetokounmpo remains in Greece after testing positive for COVID, he spoke to the media Monday through Zoom during the team’s season-opening media day.

The Bucks superstar fueled plenty of speculation during the offseason after reports surfaced that he was weighing his best long-term fit, either in Milwaukee or elsewhere. On Monday, he confirmed those reports.

Giannis Antetokounmpo confirms reporting about evaluating his future this summer:

"The same thing I've been saying my whole career. I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship… it is never going to change. I want to be among the best."

— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) September 29, 2025

“The same thing I’ve been saying my whole career. I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship… it is never going to change. I want to be among the best,” Antetokounmpo remarked via ESPN’s Jamal Collier’spost in X (formerly Twitter).

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s winning mentality

Giannis Antetokounmpo snubbed in ESPN’s latest best-player poll 2 Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks on the court before the start of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo made it clear he wants to play for a team determined to win, whether he was pushing the Bucks to step up or simply speaking his mind.

Since Antetokounmpo’s rookie year in 2013-14, the Bucks have consistently stayed in the mix, reaching the playoffs in 10 of his first 12 seasons. Still, three consecutive first-round exits have stalled the momentum they built in 2021 when they captured the franchise’s first championship in 50 years.

“It’s a disservice to basketball and just to the game, to not want it to compete in a high level, to want your season to end in April. It’s pretty much the same. It’s not the first time. I had the same thoughts last year. I had the same thoughts two years ago,” the Greek Freak continued.

Giannis Antetokounmpo sparks fresh drama with bold ultimatum on Bucks championship future 3 Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on before the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo chose not to push for a trade in the offseason, but the way this season unfolds could influence whether he speaks out about his frustrations. At media day, he already pushed back on Bucks governor Wes Edens’ claim of a positive meeting between them.

As he enters his 13th year in Milwaukee, the question is whether this moment marks the beginning of more drama.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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