Giannis speaks about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks: "If there is a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien, I have to take that better situation"

Giannis outlines what it would take for him to stay in Milwaukee.

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The Milwaukee Bucks must now be on high alert with the potential of losing a once-in-a-generation talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo. In a recent appearance on the podcast "48 minutes," the remarkable "Greek Freak" reaffirmed his status as a winner and expressed his open-mindedness to relocating in search of another NBA championship. This statement undoubtedly raises the stakes for the Bucks as they navigate the future with Giannis.

"I'm a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly I'm a winner. ... If there is a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien I have to take that better situation."

Giannis on his future with the Bucks. pic.twitter.com/XzucRXtmOv

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 13, 2023

Stakes are higher

Giannis got a taste of what’s it like to be an NBA champion in 2021. Since then, the Bucks have flamed out in the NBA Playoffs two straight seasons, culminating in their embarrassing first-round exit at the hands of the Miami Heat earlier this year. With the 2023-2024 season looming, Giannis said in a talk with the New York Times that he will first see how the team does under new head coach Adrian Griffin before deciding on his future in Milwaukee. In the podcast, he outlined the conditions that would allow him to be a Buck for the rest of his career.

“As long as we play and we approach the game every single day the right way, and we all sacrifice for the common goal, I could see myself being a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career,” Giannis said.

“But the moment I feel like people are not as committed as I am to get that golden thing in the bag, I am not.”

Whatever it takes

Giannis is signed through 2025 and then has a player option worth $52 million the next season. This means the franchise and its leaders still have a few years to convince their superstar to stay in Milwaukee.

To do this, they'll have to show Giannis that the team is committed to doing whatever it takes for him and his teammates to bring a championship back home. The Bucks will need to acquire talent and provide a culture of success in order for Antetokounmpo to make good on his promise. If not, the Bucks may see their superstar walk away and showcase his talents someplace else.

“I'm a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly, I'm a winner. ... If there is a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien, I have to take that better situation.”