GREAT NEWS: Milwaukee Bucks Star Power Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo Sets the Record Straight on His NBA Future, Reaffirms Loyalty to Milwaukee Bucks, and Delivers Blunt Message to Knicks Fans: ‘I Don’t See Myself Ever Playing in New York… 

Milwaukee Bucks Star Power Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo Sets the Record Straight on His NBA Future, Reaffirms Loyalty to Milwaukee Bucks, and Delivers Blunt Message to Knicks Fans: ‘I Don’t See Myself Ever Playing in New York…

In a media world that thrives on speculation and rumor, Giannis Antetokounmpo is setting the record straight — loud and clear.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar power forward and two-time NBA MVP addressed questions about his long-term future during a recent interview, cutting through the noise with a message that’s bound to disappoint New York Knicks fans: he has no intention of wearing blue and orange.

“I don’t see myself ever playing in New York,” Giannis said firmly. “That’s not who I am. I’m not chasing markets or headlines. I care about loyalty, team culture, and winning the right way — and for me, that’s in Milwaukee.”

Clearing the Air

The statement came amid mounting speculation that the Knicks — armed with young talent, draft picks, and cap space — would make a strong push for Giannis in the near future. With New York hungry for its first championship since 1973 and desperately seeking a true superstar, media outlets had floated Giannis as a potential target should his situation in Milwaukee ever grow uncertain.

But the Greek Freak didn’t just shut down the rumors — he buried them.

“Every year there’s noise,” Giannis said. “One day it’s L.A., the next it’s Miami, now it’s New York. It’s part of being in the league, but I’ve always been honest. If I didn’t want to be in Milwaukee, I would’ve said that already.”

A History of Loyalty

Giannis’s commitment to the Bucks isn’t new. Drafted 15th overall by Milwaukee in 2013 as a relatively unknown international prospect, he has since blossomed into one of the NBA’s most dominant players — and helped transform a once-struggling franchise into a perennial title contender.

In 2020, Giannis signed a five-year supermax extension worth $228 million, a clear signal at the time that he was committed to building a legacy in Milwaukee rather than chasing championships elsewhere.

That loyalty paid off in 2021 when he led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years, delivering a legendary 50-point performance in the title-clinching Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns. That night didn’t just define his legacy — it cemented his bond with the city.

“When I walk down the street in Milwaukee, people don’t treat me like a celebrity,” he said. “They treat me like family. That means more to me than a flashy city or a big spotlight.”

Focused on the Future

Though the Bucks fell short in the playoffs last season, Giannis says the team remains focused and hungry heading into the next campaign. Under new head coach Doc Rivers and with the return of co-star Damian Lillard, Milwaukee is looking to reclaim its place atop the Eastern Conference.

“I want to win more rings here,” Giannis said. “We’ve got a great group, great leadership, and a fan base that shows up every single night. We’re building something that lasts. That’s what I care about.”

Giannis also emphasized his desire to be a part of every phase of the Bucks’ journey — not just during their championship highs, but through the grind of improving, adjusting, and growing together.

“I’m not the type to jump ship because things get hard,” he said. “That’s not leadership. That’s not character. I signed up for this, and I’m going to see it through.”

Knicks Fans React

Naturally, Giannis’s remarks sparked strong reactions — particularly from Knicks fans on social media. Many had long viewed him as a dream acquisition who could finally lift the storied franchise back to championship relevance.

“Welp… there goes that fantasy,” one fan tweeted. Another joked, “Giannis really said ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ to the Mecca.”

Knicks front office executives, while not commenting directly on Giannis’s statement, are reportedly still active in seeking a star-level player to pair with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, with names like Donovan Mitchell and Karl-Anthony Towns still floating in trade discussions.

A Statement Beyond Basketball

For Giannis, however, his message wasn’t just about denying one rumor — it was about reminding people who he is and what he stands for.

“I want my legacy to be more than numbers,” he said. “I want it to be about loyalty, effort, and doing things the right way. If that means spending my whole career in Milwaukee, then that’s a life I’m proud of.”

And with that, the rumors can rest — at least for now. Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t going anywhere. Not to L.A., not to Miami, and definitely not to New York.