Giannis Walks It Back: “If It Were Up to Me, Maybe I’d Already Be Gone”
The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain: ambiguous statements and the Los Angeles Lakers closely monitoring the Greek superstar
After the soap opera that unfolded around the NBA trade deadline, the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation remains one of the hottest topics in the league. Despite interest from teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, the Bucks’ front office decided to keep the Greek star – at least through the end of the season.
The 2021 NBA champion has always professed his love for Milwaukee, even amid trade rumors, but he has never hidden his top priority: winning an NBA title.
I love wearing the Bucks jersey, but the most important thing for me is competing for a championship. If that’s not possible, then maybe I’ll think, ‘ok, I have to leave if I really want to win.’
Giannis Antetokounmpo to ESPN
In recent hours, however, he gave an interview to COSMOTE TV in which he expressed even more uncertainty about his future in Milwaukee.
Right now I’m in Milwaukee… I don’t know if I’ll leave, it doesn’t depend on me. If it were up to me, maybe I’d already be gone. In a year and a half, when I become a free agent at 32, then it will depend on me.
Giannis Antetokounmpo to COSMOTE TV
Ambiguous statements that appear to walk back what he said before the trade deadline. The situation is even more controversial considering Giannis’ gesture: once his stay was made official, he posted on Instagram the famous Leonardo DiCaprio scene from The Wolf of Wall Street with the caption “I’m not f*cking leaving,” reassuring Bucks fans.
While waiting for further developments this summer, several teams remain on alert to monitor the situation. Among them is undoubtedly the Los Angeles Lakers, who view Giannis Antetokounmpo as the marquee target of the offseason – especially with the potential departure of LeBron James looming.