News Summary
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has expressed his desire to retire and play basketball in Greece. He hopes to return to his roots and possibly join teams like Filathlitikos or Olympiacos after his NBA career ends in 2027. With a strong connection to his home country and the recent signing of his brother Alex to the Bucks, excitement grows about Giannis potentially impacting Greek basketball.
Milwaukee, WI – Giannis Antetokounmpo, the prominent forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, has expressed a strong desire to conclude his professional basketball career with a team in Greece following his retirement from the NBA. During a recent appearance on ANT1’s “The 2night Show,” Antetokounmpo shared his intentions and experiences, revealing that he hopes to return to his homeland, where he began his basketball journey.
The 30-year-old two-time MVP is currently entering his 13th season with the Bucks, with a contract that binds him to the team for two additional seasons, through 2026-27. After that period, he is expected to become a free agent in the summer of 2027. Antetokounmpo conveyed that he envisions playing in the NBA until he reaches ages 36 to 38, indicating he still sees a significant playing future ahead of him.
Antetokounmpo articulated that he has no intentions of residing in the United States after his NBA career concludes. His sentiments toward Greece were evident as he reflected fondly on his beginnings in professional basketball, which began with Filathlitikos, a team in the Greek B league, where he played for two seasons before entering the 2013 NBA draft.
He highlighted potential Greek teams where he could continue his basketball journey post-NBA, including Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Aris. His close ties to these organizations underline his commitment to returning to Greece, where he first cultivated his passion for the sport.
Recently, the Bucks made headlines by signing Giannis’ brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, to a two-way contract. This historic signing marks a milestone in the NBA as three siblings—Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex—will now share an active roster for the same team. This familial connection may further anchor Giannis’ aspirations to play in Greece after his NBA tenure.
Throughout his career, Antetokounmpo has placed a high priority on representing Greece on international stages, evidenced by his declaration of winning a bronze medal at EuroBasket as his “greatest accomplishment.” This commitment to his national team further signifies his strong loyalty and connection to Greece.
Regarding future decisions about his NBA career, Antetokounmpo acknowledged that his choices could hinge upon the performance of the Bucks in upcoming seasons. The team has faced multiple early exits from the playoffs in recent years, which may affect his outlook moving forward. While he is determined to win another NBA championship with the Bucks, he is open to evaluating his options if the team struggles to meet competitive expectations.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s statements have sparked excitement among basketball fans in Greece, who view his eventual return as a potential boon for the national leagues. With his star power and experience, he could significantly impact the local basketball scene, similar to how he has transformed the game in the NBA. As the upcoming season unfolds, all eyes will be on Antetokounmpo and the Bucks as they navigate their goals and challenges on the court.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future With the Bucks in Doubt
EuroBasket 2025 to Feature 24 Teams with NBA Stars
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants to Play in Greece After NBA Career
- Hoops Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Plans to Finish Career in Greece
- The Guardian: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Plans for Retirement
- NBC Sports: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA Future and Retirement Plans
- Wikipedia: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
