In 2013, a young player from Greece who had only played for Filathlitikos was drafted into the NBA by the Milwaukee Bucks.

This player, of Nigerian descent, born and raised in Greece, raised the Greek flag, stepped onto the podium, and promised to give his all to succeed in the magical world of the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo made every dream of his come true. He became the main star of the Bucks and forced Milwaukee to learn… Greek.

He was the biggest star they had after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s era. The legendary center, who for many years was the NBA’s top scorer, led the Bucks to the NBA title in 1971 and 1975, then moved to Los Angeles to join the Lakers, with whom he won everything alongside Magic Johnson and other stars of the 1980s.

His last game?

In 2021, Giannis led the Bucks to the NBA championship. However, in the last three years, despite roster improvements, the team has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

The Pacers again eliminated the Bucks, with Giannis being asked after the last game if it was his final appearance with the team.

“I’m not going to do that. Whatever I say will be misunderstood. I don’t know, man. I wish I was still playing…” said the Greek superstar, now 30 years old.

In the NBA, it has long been believed that if a player can stay with one team for life, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. But does Giannis still want to stay in Milwaukee?

The next day and the trade rumors

Antetokounmpo is under contract until 2027 and earns $175 million per year. If a trade happens, it could be one of the most significant in NBA history.

The Bucks would need to receive key players and possibly good draft picks in return. Rumors already link interest from Oklahoma City, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat, while the Lakers are always in the mix.

Jabbar won the title in 1971 with the Bucks and moved to the Lakers in 1975. Could the same happen with Antetokounmpo? He won the championship in 2021 with the Bucks and might become a “Laker” in 2025.

According to ESPN journalist Sam Amick, there will be a meeting between Bucks management and Giannis regarding his future and the team’s prospects.

NBA analyst John Hollinger noted that the era of Lillard and Antetokounmpo with the Bucks has “ended,” and he strongly believes that the best course of action is to trade Giannis to a Western Conference team.

Possible destinations for the two-time MVP include San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Houston Rockets. Milwaukee seems unable to build a team capable of competing for the title with Giannis leading the way.

Coach Mike Budenholzer was replaced by Adrian Griffin, but he also failed to lead the team past the second round of the playoffs, leaving the future open.

Antetokounmpo became the first player to average at least 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists in the first five games of a playoff series, but whether with or without Lillard, he has not advanced further.

Ultimately, only Giannis Antetokounmpo will decide his future.