Giannis Antetokounmpo regrets not shutting down trade rumors

While Giannis Antetokounmpo has dealt with trade speculation at various points during his NBA career, he acknowledged in a recent appearance on Gogi’s Garage that he wasn’t fully prepared for how constant those rumors became throughout the 2025/26 season.

Antetokounmpo made it clear publicly that he wants to remain with the Bucks, but he often included conditions, emphasizing that his main focus is competing for a championship and that he intends to stay in Milwaukee only if the team remains in position to contend.

Although he was not moved at the trade deadline, the ongoing speculation became a distraction for the organization, leading him to admit he wishes he had addressed the situation more directly earlier on.

“If I could turn time back, I would maybe come out a little bit earlier and say, ‘Hey, guys, this ends today,’” Giannis said (hat tip to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports). “‘Look at me in the eyes. I’m staying with Milwaukee until further notice. It ends today. Stop making stories, and after stories, and after stories.’”

Tensions between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks also grew late in the season due to disagreements over how to manage an injury.

Considering how the year concluded, it appears likely that speculation surrounding his future will intensify again in the months ahead.