Giannis Antetokounmpo open to leaving Bucks to win championships

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion, has consistently voiced his desire to remain a Milwaukee Buck throughout his career. However, the superstar is equally clear about his priorities – winning championships.

Speaking on the 48 Minutes podcast, Giannis emphasized the importance of the Bucks organization being as committed to winning championships as he is.

“As long as we are in for the championship, as long as nobody is comfortable, as long as everybody sacrifices the same amount of time and sweat and blood that I’ve sacrificed for this city to win a championship, we are all good,” he declared.

For Giannis, it’s not about comfort or the perks of NBA life – luxury hotels, fine dining, private flights. It’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence and the quest for championship glory. He explained, “By being comfortable, I cannot reach my full potential. I don’t want to be comfortable.”

While Giannis expressed his desire to stay with the Bucks for the duration of his career, he made it clear that his commitment is contingent on everyone within the organization sharing his championship aspirations.

“The moment I feel like people are not committed as I am to get that golden thing in the back, I am not,” he stated.

Giannis’s unwavering dedication to winning has defined his career. “I’m a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly, I’m a winner. I want to win, and I have to do whatever it takes for me to win,” he asserted.

His ultimate goal is to secure the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy, and he’s prepared to explore better opportunities if they arise.

In this interview, Antetokounmpo’s message is clear: his allegiance lies with championship pursuits, and he will go wherever it takes to achieve that goal. While Milwaukee remains his preferred destination, his drive for victory will always be the driving force in his career decisions.

Giannis emphasized, “I want that. As I said, if the Milwaukee Bucks are on the same page for the rest of my career – great. If not, I have to win and I think the city and people will understand it because I’m one of the most competitive guys and I gave everything I can for the city of Milwaukee…

“I’m a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly, I’m a winner. I want to win, and I have to do whatever it takes for me to win, and if there’s a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien, I have to take that better situation.”

Sports analyst Bill Simmons recently make a bold prediction that one of Giannis, Joel Embiid or Donovan Mitchell will end up with the Knicks within a year.