Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains in the air, but he made it known that he loves the Cream City.
In a recent live stream with iShowSpeed (real name Darren Watkins Jr.), the Greek Freak discussed potential landing spots amid his decision-making toward next season. Many have speculated that Antetokounmpo will not be a Buck come October as the team struggles to follow up on their 2021 NBA title win.
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“LA, the tax is bad. New York, the tax is bad,” Watkins said, alluding to Antetokounmpo being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.
“A lot of people are trying to convince me to play there,” Antetokounmpo replied. Watkins then asked if he plans to stay in Milwaukee, to which he replied, “Probably.”
“We’ll see, probably. I love Milwaukee,” he continued.
After defeating the Phoenix Suns to secure their only title, the Bucks fell to the Celtics in the second round in 2022. Since then, they have exited in the first round in the past three years, the last two being against the Indiana Pacers.
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Rumors about Antetokounmpo’s future in the city escalated this past season following their early elimination against the eventual Eastern Conference champions. To make matters worse, the Bucks waived point guard Damian Lillard after two seasons while he tends to an Achilles tear, which he sustained against the Pacers in late April.
The Bucks drafted Antetokounmpo with the 15th pick in 2013 and nurtured him to become a nine-time All-Star, two-time league MVP and the face of the franchise. While the rumors remain prominent, Antetokounmpo is still in his three-year deal, which he signed in 2023.
Antetokounmpo’s $186 million contract was meant to keep him in Milwaukee through the duration of Lillard’s deal before his abrupt dismissal. The 30-year-old has a player option for the 2027-28 season.
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He averaged 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game this past season as Milwaukee finished fifth in the East with a 48-34 record.
