News Summary
Giannis Antetokounmpo plans to end his professional basketball career with a Greek team after leaving the NBA. The Bucks star shares his intentions during a late-night talk show, expressing a strong connection to his roots and potential ties to various Greek clubs. With future NBA commitments ahead, Antetokounmpo highlights the importance of team performance while also reminiscing about his beginnings in Greek basketball.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, has expressed his desire to conclude his professional basketball career in Greece, specifically with a Greek team, after he retires from the NBA. His comments came during an appearance on ANT1’s late-night talk show, “The 2night Show.”
Antetokounmpo, who is entering his 13th season with the Bucks, is under contract with the team for two more years, extending until the summer of 2027. At that point, he will become a free agent. The 30-year-old two-time MVP indicated he believes he can continue competing in the NBA until he is around 36 to 38 years old, allowing ample time before he transitions to play in Greece.
During the interview, Antetokounmpo revealed his intentions to shift his life back to Greece after his NBA journey, emphasizing he does not wish to live in the United States thereafter. He reminisced about his early basketball career, which began with Filathlitikos in the Greek B league before he declared for the NBA Draft in 2013.
He mentioned having ties to Greek teams such as Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Aris, which he may consider as potential options for his future endeavors in basketball. This connection to various clubs reflects his desire to return to his roots and contribute to the sport in his home country.
As the Bucks gear up for the new season, the team’s dynamics have shifted slightly with the inclusion of his brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, who recently signed a two-way contract with the organization. This development marks a historic milestone, setting the stage for a unique scenario where three brothers—Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex—will occupy spots on the same active NBA roster.
Alongside his aspirations for his club future, Antetokounmpo has remained dedicated to representing Greece internationally. His participation and contributions to the Greek national team have been noteworthy, with the star considering a bronze medal in EuroBasket as one of his most significant achievements in basketball.
Looking ahead, Antetokounmpo’s decisions regarding his NBA career could be influenced by the Bucks’ performance in future seasons. After enduring early playoff exits in previous campaigns, the pressure to win another NBA championship remains high. While his commitment to pursue championship rings with the Bucks is firm, he has hinted at reevaluating his situation if the team’s results do not meet his expectations.
This long-term vision of Antetokounmpo showcases the balance between his dedication to the NBA and his allegiance to his home country. With a firm foundation in Greece, reflected through his past and aspirations, Antetokounmpo’s wish to return may also resonate with many fans who have followed his journey from Filathlitikos to becoming one of basketball’s elite players in the world.
In summary, Antetokounmpo’s announcement has sparked interest in his post-NBA journey, while also highlighting the Bucks’ current roster dynamics and the implications of their future performance on his decisions as he contemplates the next steps in his basketball career.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants to Play in Greece After NBA Career
- Hoops Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Plans to Finish Career in Greece
- The Guardian: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Plans for Retirement
- NBC Sports: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA Future and Retirement Plans
- Wikipedia: Giannis Antetokounmpo

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