Giannis stays with Bucks as they reshape roster for 2025-26 season

Giannis Antetokounmpo said he will remain with the Milwaukee Bucks for now, ending a summer of intense trade speculation even as the franchise retooled its roster in pursuit of another championship. The decision came as the Bucks prepare to open the 2025-26 season Wednesday at Fiserv Forum against the Washington Wizards, with Milwaukee’s front office having stretched Damian Lillard’s remaining contract to create cap space and sign center Myles Turner.

“My decision today is that I’m here, and I’m committed to this team,” Antetokounmpo said in early October. The two-time league MVP acknowledged he had contemplated his future during the offseason, and league figures confirmed there were substantive discussions with other clubs, including a window of talks with the New York Knicks in August. NBA reporter Brian Windhorst said the Knicks were positioned to pursue Antetokounmpo but ultimately did not complete a deal.

Team officials and league sources cited several obstacles that limited trade possibilities, including salary-cap constraints, second-apron restrictions and the number of first-round draft picks teams would have had to surrender. The Bucks also made clear to interested...