Giannis Antetokounmpo: If everything was up to me, I might have left the Bucks a long time ago.

On February 19th Beijing time, Giannis participated in an exclusive interview with COSMOTE TV, where his future was brought up again.

When the reporter asked if he might leave Milwaukee, Giannis responded, "Like Americans say, opinions don’t cost anything—so everyone can have one. At this moment, I’m in Milwaukee."

Giannis reiterated that he feels loved in Milwaukee; however, he is very eager to win another championship, and the team should be moving toward that goal. Yet, he would never force a trade request to leave: "That’s not who I am."

So, is it possible he might leave this summer?

“I don’t know if I will leave— That decision isn’t mine to make. If it were completely up to me, I might have already left long ago.When I become a free agent at 32, a year and a half from now, that choice will be in my hands.”

One thing is certain: even though the Bucks are playing well this season, he has no intention of sitting out the rest of the regular season to protect himself, nor does he think the team would ask him to do so.

“No one dares to tell me not to play. I’ve never given anyone that power— as long as my legs hold up, I will be on the court.”

Giannis also spoke about the Greek national team and the 2027 World Cup, setting high goals for himself and openly saying he hopes to compete for a medal, while admitting it won’t be easy.

“If I sacrifice the whole summer to play for the national team, I won’t do it just to lose. It will be tough, but hopefully, we can work together and perform like we did at the European Championship. As long as we become that kind of team, anything is possible.”

Previously, in an interview with ESPN, Giannis said he doesn’t want anyone to think he abandoned the Bucks, but he also can’t accept staying if he can never win a championship again.