Giannis Antetokounmpo has recently made it clear that the bright lights of New York City aren’t in his future plans. The Milwaukee Bucks star, whose contract extends through the 2027-28 season, has apparently crossed the Knicks and the Nets off his list of potential landing spots.
In his unmistakable style, Giannis stated, “A lot of people have tried to convince me to play [in New York], but nah.” That’s a definitive statement from a player renowned for his loyalty and commitment to the city of Milwaukee.
When asked about his long-term intentions with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo gave a nonchalant yet telling response: “Probably. We’ll see … probably. I love Milwaukee.” This isn’t the first time he’s alluded to his affection for the city, and it underscores a sentiment many fans resonate with—he’s found a home in Milwaukee. This connection seems strong, hinting that there’s no imminent plan for either party to part ways, at least for now.
Why would he want to stay? Well, there are plenty of solid reasons. Since being drafted by Milwaukee in 2013, Giannis has transformed from a rookie into a franchise cornerstone. His accolades are staggering: Rookie of the Year in 2014, two-time MVP, and the 2021 Finals MVP, where he helped seal a championship for the Bucks against the Phoenix Suns. With a résumé that includes nine NBA All-Star selections and five nods to the All-Defensive Team, Antetokounmpo is undeniably one of the league’s elite players.
Bucks fans must be feeling buoyed by Giannis’s commitment, yet fans of New York basketball might be left with a feeling of disappointment. Both the Knicks and the Nets had high hopes of attracting marquee talent this offseason. For the Nets, fresh off a mediocre season finishing 26-26, the pursuit of a star player like Giannis might feel like a lost opportunity. Meanwhile, the Knicks, coming off a reinvigorated season capped by their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000 under new coach Mike Brown, will have to rethink their strategy moving forward.
As the Bucks prepare for the upcoming season, it’s clear they’ll need to continue building a competitive roster to keep their superstar happy. The stakes are high, and while Giannis is content now, the front office must remain proactive to ensure Milwaukee is the place where he can further solidify his legacy. For the rest of the league, especially in New York, watching how this saga unfolds will be essential, as it could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.
