“It’s disrespectful”: Giannis Antetokounmpo on Milwaukee trade rumors

The Milwaukee Bucks have endured a slow start to the 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 13–19 record.

Amid the early struggles, speculation has intensified around the future of franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo, with trade rumors linking the two-time MVP to several rival teams. The “Greek Freak,” however, continues to let his play do the talking and delivered another standout performance in his return from injury.

Antetokounmpo, playing his first game since December 3 after recovering from a calf strain, led Milwaukee to a crucial 112–103 victory over the Chicago Bulls. He finished with 29 points, eight rebounds, and one assist in just 25 minutes of action.

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Following the win, Antetokounmpo addressed the persistent rumors surrounding his commitment to the Bucks, forcefully dismissing any suggestion that his loyalty to the franchise is wavering.

“I’m here. I’m here. I’m here. Don’t ask me that question. I’m here. It’s disrespectful towards myself and my teammates.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo on whether he wants to stay with the Bucks 👀

(via @Bucks)pic.twitter.com/dNpJJ51dsv

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 28, 2025

“I’m here. I’m here. I’m here. Don’t ask me that question. I’m here. It’s disrespectful towards myself and my teammates. I wear that jersey every single day. It’s disrespectful towards the organization, my coaching staff, myself and all the people that work hard for me to come out here and say I don’t want to be here. Don’t ask me that question,” Antetokounmpo said.

“I’m here, I’m putting on the jersey, and as long as I’m here, I’m going to give everything I have, even in the last second of the game,” he added.

While Antetokounmpo has firmly shut down talk of a potential trade, Bucks management is well aware of the importance of building a competitive roster around their cornerstone player. Milwaukee remains the only NBA franchise Antetokounmpo has known since being selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Since then, he has led the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021 and the NBA Cup in 2024, earning Finals MVP honors in 2021 and NBA Cup MVP recognition in 2024. His résumé also includes back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, the 2017 Most Improved Player award, the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award, and nine NBA All-Star selections, among numerous other accolades.

As the Bucks attempt to climb back into contention, Antetokounmpo’s commitment and elite production remain the franchise’s strongest foundation.

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