“I don’t want to live in the US”: Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals plans to finish career in Greece 1 Jul 30, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Spain in a men’s basketball group stage match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

'I don’t want to live in the US': Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals plans to finish career in Greece

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 6:05 AM ET

After staying loyal to the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason, All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shared in a Greek television interview that he envisions ending his playing career back home in Greece. The two-time MVP remains under contract with Milwaukee through the 2026-27 season, which will mark his 13th and 14th years with the franchise, before he’s eligible to explore free agency.

“I’m 30 years old, I can play in the NBA until I’m 36-38. I’d like to end my career in a Greek team, why not?” Antetokounmpo remarked in ANT1’s The 2nights Show.

“I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece.”

The Athens-born forward started his professional journey with Filathlitikos in Greece’s B League, where he played for two seasons before making the leap to the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft.

“I could end my career here,” the Greek Freak continued, “whether this team is called Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris, I’m talking about all the teams now.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA career so far

Charles Barkley rips Giannis Antetokounmpo for keeping the Bucks in limbo 3 Dec 31, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates a made shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

A nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA First Team selection, Antetokounmpo captured MVP honors in back-to-back seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19. He later earned Finals MVP in 2021 after leading the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years.

Across 859 regular-season games, with 794 starts, Antetokounmpo has averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 32.9 minutes per game. In the postseason, he has elevated his numbers to 27.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steal across 84 starts, averaging 36.2 minutes per contest.

Giannis Antetokounmpo adds deadly new weapon for Greece and the Bucks 3 Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks signed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s younger brother, Alex, to a two-way contract. With the 24-year-old forward joining Giannis and Thanasis, 33, Milwaukee will make NBA history as the first team to feature three brothers on the same active roster.

The Milwaukee Bucks closed out their preseason slate on Oct. 14 at Fiserv Forum with a 116-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The defeat dropped Milwaukee to 3-1 in exhibition play, while Oklahoma City moved to 3-2.

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

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