Milwaukee Bucks sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo has shared a surprising vision for his post-NBA career, expressing a strong desire to finish his playing days in his native Greece. This long-term aspiration, revealed in a recent interview, adds a new dimension to his storied career, while his immediate commitment remains firmly with the Milwaukee Bucks.
In a candid interview on ANT1’s “The 2night Show,” Giannis Antetokounmpo, the charismatic forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, revealed a deeply personal ambition: to conclude his basketball journey not in the United States, but back in his homeland, Greece. This revelation, while unexpected by some, offers a glimpse into the star’s long-term vision for his life and career beyond the NBA hardwood.
“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 stated, according to a translation by BasketNews. “I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece. I could end my career here, whether this team is called Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris, I’m talking about all the teams now.”
A Legacy Forged in Milwaukee
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 12-year NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, transforming from a raw prospect into one of the league’s most dominant players. Drafted 15th overall in 2013, he has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including two NBA MVP awards, nine NBA All-Star selections, and most notably, leading the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021. His tenure in Milwaukee has seen him average 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 55.1% shooting from the field. During the 2024-25 season, he showcased his continued growth, posting averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while connecting on an exceptional 60.1% of his shots.
Despite his individual brilliance, the Bucks faced an early exit in the 2024-25 playoffs, being eliminated in the opening round by the eventual Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers in five games. This premature end to their season often fuels speculation about a star player’s future, and Giannis has been no exception.
Addressing Trade Rumors and Current Commitments
Just weeks before his comments about Greece, Antetokounmpo was at the center of trade rumors, particularly involving the New York Knicks. However, he swiftly put those rumors to rest, reaffirming his commitment to the Bucks. “I’ve said this many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I’m here. I believe in this team,” he told Yahoo Sports. “I’m locked into whatever I have in front of me.”
He further elaborated on his current dedication: “Now, if in six, seven months, I change my mind I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want, but I’m locked in. I’m locked into this team. I’m locked into these guys, to this group and to this coaching staff and to myself.” This statement provides both assurance and a glimpse into his future considerations, suggesting that while his short-term focus is clear, his long-term perspective is fluid.
The Bucks have also made strategic moves to keep their superstar content. Recently, they signed his youngest brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, to a two-way deal, bringing three of the five Antetokounmpo brothers onto the roster—Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex. This move, as noted by Hoops Wire reporter Sam Amico, serves as both “a nice story and a bit of roster diplomacy,” aiming to strengthen Giannis’s ties to the franchise as they pursue another championship.
The Deep Roots in Greece
Antetokounmpo’s desire to return to Greece isn’t just a whim; it’s a reflection of his profound connection to his roots. Born and raised in Athens, he began his professional basketball career with Filathlitikos from 2011 to 2013, playing two seasons in the Greek B League before being discovered and drafted by the Bucks.
His comments about not wanting to live in the United States after his NBA career resonate with his history and recent reports suggesting that his wife and children have already moved back to Greece. This personal decision adds significant weight to his public statements about retiring there, highlighting a preference for his cultural and familial homeland.
What This Means for Fans and the Franchise
For Bucks fans, Giannis’s announcement creates a bittersweet narrative. While he is undoubtedly committed to bringing more championships to Milwaukee during his remaining NBA years, the knowledge that his ultimate goal lies elsewhere shapes the long-term outlook. His contract runs through the 2026-27 season, after which he has the opportunity to enter free agency in the summer of 2027.
This long-range plan ensures that fans can continue to enjoy his peak performance without immediate concern of him leaving the NBA. However, it also means that every future season, every playoff run, and every contract negotiation will be viewed through the lens of his expressed desire to finish his career in Greece. The focus remains on maximizing the championship window with the “Greek Freak” at the helm, knowing that one day, he will indeed go home.
