News Summary
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo has revealed his intention to finish his basketball career in Greece. During an interview, he expressed his commitment to playing in the NBA until the age of 36-38 but emphasized his desire to return to Greece after retirement. Antetokounmpo has highlighted teams like Filathlitikos and Olympiacos as potential options. As he prepares for another season with the Bucks, Giannis aims to achieve success in the NBA while keeping an eye on his future in Greek basketball.
Milwaukee – Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, has expressed a strong desire to finish his basketball career playing in Greece. He made these remarks during a recent appearance on ANT1’s late-night talk show, “The 2night Show.” Antetokounmpo is currently entering his 13th season with the Bucks, under contract for two more years through the 2026-27 season, with the possibility of entering free agency in the summer of 2027.
At 30 years old, Antetokounmpo has indicated he believes he can continue playing in the NBA until he is between 36 and 38 years old. However, he has firmly stated that he does not intend to stay in the United States following his retirement from the NBA and has a strong desire to return to Greece. This longing for his home country is rooted in his early career, as he began playing professional basketball with Filathlitikos, a Greek B league team, before entering the NBA draft in 2013.
The Greek basketball star outlined potential teams he might join upon his departure from the NBA, mentioning Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and Aris as viable options. Antetokounmpo’s strong connection to Greece is also reflected in his dedication to representing the country in international competitions. He has often stated that winning a EuroBasket bronze medal is one of his greatest career accomplishments.
Recently, the Bucks have signed his brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, to a two-way contract, which marks a historic occasion as it enables three brothers—Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex—to be on the same active NBA roster. This family connection to basketball could further enhance his motivation to eventually return to Greece, where he initially built his foundations as an athlete.
As Antetokounmpo looks forward to his post-NBA career, various factors may influence his decisions regarding his current team. The Bucks have faced challenges in recent seasons, with multiple early playoff exits affecting their prospects. Despite his commitment to winning another NBA championship with Milwaukee, Giannis has acknowledged that he may need to reevaluate his options depending on the team’s future performances. His aspirations for both his personal career and contributions to Greek basketball will likely play a crucial role in shaping his trajectory moving forward.
As he embarks on a new season, Antetokounmpo’s focus appears to be dual-faceted: achieving success with the Bucks in the NBA while keeping an eye on the opportunity to return home to Greece and fulfill his dream of playing there before officially hanging up his jersey. His intentions have garnered attention not only among fans in the United States but also those in Greece, who are eager to see one of their most celebrated athletes return to contribute to their local basketball scene.
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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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