Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Bucks forward shares optimistic take on Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 12:33 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks has been a point of discussion throughout the offseason.

The two-time NBA MVP has reportedly grown frustrated by the lack of progress the Bucks have made in terms of building a championship-level roster.

Therefore, it wasn't a shock when the Milwaukee front office waived and stretched Damian Lillard's contract this summer, adding approximately $22.5 million in dead cap space for the next five years. Milwaukee then used the additional spending power to sign former Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner.

While there are still plenty of questions around the Bucks' ability to contend, both this season and beyond, veteran forward Bobby Portis recently gave Milwaukee's fanbase reason for cautious optimism.

During a Tuesday appearance on "KBN" via ESPN Milwaukee, Portis cited Giannis' commitment to the franchise as a way to dismiss chatter of the superstar forward wanting a move.

“Yeah, I talk to Giannis all the time. That’s my teammate,” Portis said. “Giannis bleeds green. That’s all I can say.”

Over the past seven seasons, Giannis has been a consistent top-five MVP candidate while cracking the top-10 for Defensive Player of the Year in each campaign. That two-way dominance has also netted him All-NBA First Team recognition in each of those seasons, along with four All-Defensive First Team nods.

There's a reason the Bucks have moved metaphorical mountains to keep Giannis happy. Finding a star with his two-way impact is incredibly rare. Keeping them with the same franchise for 12 years, even more so.

Nevertheless, Milwaukee can't count on Giannis' devotion to the city and the franchise forever. He's been increasingly vocal about his desire to compete at the highest levels. A championship, or at least a legitimate run toward one, is what he wants above all.

So, while Portis' comments can be a much-welcomed reprieve for the Bucks fanbase this summer, the noise surrounding Giannis' future is bound to continue growing unless head coach Doc Rivers' team starts making legitimate inroads toward contention.

Giannis will turn 31 this season. Time is running out for the franchise to prove they are back on track toward the NBA Finals.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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