Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks hung in the balance this past offseason, leading GM Jon Horst to travel to Athens for direct talks. Horst had just made a bold move by stretching Damian Lillard’s contract to sign Myles Turner, a decision not run by Giannis in advance. While Horst laid out his belief that the revamped roster could contend, Giannis raised doubts about whether the team was truly built for a championship and explored alternatives — including a potential move to the New York Knicks, his preferred destination outside Milwaukee.
Since winning the 2021 title, the Bucks have suffered three straight first-round playoff exits, despite Antetokounmpo averaging 30 points per season. Injuries to both Giannis and Lillard derailed recent postseason runs, with Lillard’s torn Achilles in 2025 effectively ending their partnership. Still, Giannis returned for the 2025–26 season, with Milwaukee also re-signing his brother Thanasis.
For now, player and team found common ground, but with the Bucks’ playoff struggles and New York looming as an attractive option, Giannis’ long-term future in Milwaukee remains unsettled.