Giannis applies intense pressure! The Bucks are completely overwhelmed.

Bucks media day for the new season.

Giannis was not present at the event due to illness and joined through a video connection.

The Greek Freak candidly acknowledged that he assessed his future destination this summer and said he has always wanted to be on a team where he has a chance to win a title.

It is obvious that Giannis is indirectly pressuring the Bucks again, and at least for now, the possibility of departure remains; his contract lasts until summer 2028.

His salary for the next three seasons will be $54.13 million, $58.46 million, and $62.79 million respectively, with a player option in summer 2027 allowing him to decline and become a free agent.

Therefore, teams like the Lakers and Warriors are preparing to make major moves in summer 2027, trying every way to free up enough salary cap space.

Loyalty? One player, one city?

Come on, the NBA is a business league where teams can trade players freely, and players can naturally decide their own fate.

When Giannis talked about Doncic being traded from the Mavericks to the Lakers, he said he was shocked—if Doncic can be traded, then who can’t be?

Moreover, Giannis has always had an open attitude toward trades; in a previous interviewhe stated he is prepared to be traded and would understand the team owner’s decision if that day comes. It makes sense for a player to be moved when they lose their value.

If there is any loyalty, it is absolute loyalty to his country.

After Greece won the bronze medal at this year’s EuroBasket, Giannis was moved to tears in front of the camera, more emotional than even when he won the 2021 NBA championship.

Greek Basketball Federation president Liolios said recently: “As long as he avoids serious injury, Giannis will always play for the national team.”

Back to the main point.

“Leaving,” Giannis is not joking, and the Bucks know he means it.

So either they rebuild a championship roster in the next two or three years, or if they realize they can’t keep him, they should prepare a trade plan as soon as possible.

At just 30 years old, with three consecutive seasons averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds, his trade value is incredible—he could easily bring back promising young players plus multiple first-round picks for rebuilding.

The 2025-26 season is destined to be another wasted peak year for Giannis. His current teammates include Portis, Kuzma, and Turner—good enough to make the Eastern Conference playoffs but definitely not enough to contend for a championship.

Don’t expect one player to carry the team to the top alone. Giannis averaged 33 points, 15.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block per game in last year’s playoffs with a 60.6% shooting rate, yet the Bucks were easily eliminated 1-4 by the Pacers in the first round.

The biggest and perhaps only expectation for Giannis this new season is whether he can win the scoring title, thus completing the ultimate grand slam. He has already collected MVP, NBA Championship, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards.

In short, the upcoming NBA trade market’s most watched player will be Giannis, who could disrupt the league’s championship landscape at any moment.

Some might argue, “What about Jokic?” Many teams are still extremely eager to get him.

Jokic expressed at the new season media day his wish to stay with the Nuggets forever. He declined an early contract extension this summer because he wants to sign a four-year, $292 million supermax deal next summer.