Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name has been plastered across headlines all summer, and for good reason. After another dominant NBA campaign, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar is set to lead the Greek National Team into EuroBasket 2025, while speculation about his future in Milwaukee continues to swirl. As the basketball world waits for the tournament's opening tip and keeps an eye on NBA trade rumors, Antetokounmpo’s dual commitments to club and country have become one of the most compelling stories of the offseason.
During the 2024–25 NBA season, Antetokounmpo did what he does best: stuff the stat sheet and carry the Bucks deep into the playoffs. Averaging a remarkable 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, he once again proved why he’s considered one of the best players on the planet. Yet, despite his heroics, Milwaukee’s title hopes were dashed earlier than fans had hoped. Another early playoff exit left the Bucks faithful wondering what’s next for their franchise cornerstone.
But before the NBA drama can fully unfold, Antetokounmpo has shifted his focus to international play. Greece’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign kicks off in Group C, where they’ll battle Italy, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and host nation Cyprus. The top four teams will progress to the knockout rounds, and with Antetokounmpo at the helm, expectations are sky-high.
There was some chatter in the lead-up to the tournament about whether Greece would try to rest their superstar during the early games, especially given his heavy NBA workload. Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, however, wasted no time shutting down those rumors. Speaking at the official pre-tournament press conference, Spanoulis declared, “Giannis can play as much as I want him to play, we are in the official games now and there’s no limitations any more.” That’s music to the ears of Greek fans and a warning shot to the rest of Group C—Antetokounmpo will be unleashed at full throttle.
Team captain Kostas Papanikolaou also weighed in on Antetokounmpo’s impact, not just as a player but as a leader. “He is one of the top players in the world… he is reaching out to everybody, he is helping everyone, and he makes sure everyone knows what he has to do,” Papanikolaou said. “He is more vocal compared to his first years in the national team. That makes the team function better.” It’s clear that Antetokounmpo’s presence is being felt both on and off the court, as he embraces a more vocal leadership role than in previous tournaments.
Antetokounmpo’s international résumé is already impressive. At EuroBasket 2019, he averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 rebounds, though Greece bowed out in the Round of 16. Three years later, he returned with even more firepower, dropping a jaw-dropping 41 points against Ukraine in 2022. Despite his individual brilliance, Greece’s tournament runs have often been cut short due to inconsistent support from the rest of the roster. This year, with a new coach and a more seasoned supporting cast, there’s cautious optimism that Greece can make a deeper push.
Back in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo’s status has been a hot topic among NBA insiders and fans alike. Will he stay loyal to the Bucks, or could a blockbuster trade shake up the league? According to a panel of ESPN insiders, Antetokounmpo is considered the second-most likely NBA star to demand a trade, trailing only Zion Williamson. Yet, as of now, there’s little concrete evidence to suggest he’s ready to jump ship.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon offered his perspective on the swirling rumors: “Speculation has swirled around Antetokounmpo asking out of Milwaukee for several years. If he didn’t take that drastic step in the summer, it’s unlikely to happen midseason.” With most teams having already finalized their rosters for the 2025-26 season, a midseason trade involving Antetokounmpo would require a franchise to part with multiple premium draft picks and key players—a steep price that makes such a move highly improbable.
Even if the Bucks stumble out of the gate next season, it’s unlikely that Antetokounmpo would demand a trade, as doing so would deplete the assets of any potential destination. Instead, if he truly wants a change of scenery, the consensus among insiders is that his best option would be to play out the 2025-26 season and then enter free agency in the summer of 2026. That way, he could sign with a new team without forcing them to gut their roster in a trade.
For now, Bucks fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The prevailing wisdom is that Antetokounmpo will remain in Milwaukee for at least one more season. “They should sleep soundly knowing their former Finals MVP will be wearing green for at least one more season,” wrote one ESPN insider. The franchise’s hopes for a return to championship glory still hinge on the Greek Freak’s unmatched talent and leadership.
As Antetokounmpo prepares to take the floor for Greece against Italy in Thursday’s EuroBasket opener, all eyes are on how he’ll juggle the pressures of international competition and the looming questions about his NBA future. His commitment to the Greek national team, even after a grueling NBA season, speaks volumes about his dedication to both his homeland and his professional legacy. With head coach Spanoulis giving him the green light to play without restriction, fans are eager to see if this summer will mark a turning point for Greek basketball on the continental stage.
Looking ahead, Antetokounmpo’s performance at EuroBasket could set the tone for both Greece’s medal ambitions and Milwaukee’s title chase when the NBA season tips off again. The stakes are high, the speculation is intense, and the spotlight has never been brighter on one of the game’s most electrifying stars.
As the ball gets ready to go up in Cyprus, one thing is certain: Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t backing down from any challenge, whether it’s leading his national team or facing the swirling rumors back in the NBA. The journey continues, and the basketball world will be watching every step of the way.
