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Thirty-one-year-old Greek native (of Nigerian descent) Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently in his 12th season in the NBA, all with the Milwaukee Bucks. Originally the 15th selection in the 2013 draft, Giannis has put together a resume that has him as a 10-time All-Star, five-team all-defensive team, a two-time MVP winner, a member of the league’s 75th anniversary team, and a champ in 2021.
He has averaged 30-plus points each of the last three seasons, one of the many reasons he’s been dubbed the Greek Freak.
All isn’t sunshine and Skittles in Milwaukee, however. A godawful 29-42 record in 2025-26 as of this late-March writing means the Bucks won’t even sniff the playoffs (first since 2016). Antetokounmpo has endured an injury-riddled season, having missed about half his team’s games with maladies including a left-knee hyperextension and bone bruise. Some disagreement as to whether he’s able to play, Giannis not wanting to be as cautious as his employer, which doesn’t need any medical hiccups if he’s to be dealt.
In the last NBA News, there was much speculation about a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade by the deadline early last month. That didn’t happen, which served to fuel the fire about an offseason change of venue.
There’s no shortage of suitors (he’s under contract through the [player option] 2027-28 season).
Here’s a primer on Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks, and his possible next team…
Did Giannis Antetokounmpo Request a Trade?
That’s a loaded question, depending on which smoke signals are read. While Giannis Antetokounmpo has not publicly requested an NBA trade, he’s said he’s ‘ready for a new home.’
Looking under the category of ‘Giannis Antetokounmpo 2026-27 season team,’ Milwaukee is the 2-3 (-150) favorite. However, if he leaves town, it’s the Miami Heat at 2-1 (+200), ahead of the New York Knickerbockers at 5-2 (+250) and the Chicago Bulls (3-1, [+300]).
Perhaps it’s the Golden State Warriors at 4-1 (+400) or Minnesota Timberwolves (6-1, [+600]), while the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors are also less than double digits on the board. While those teams are the current favorites in the market, remember that NBA futures odds are fluid and could change in the coming weeks.
Expect a bidding war before a potential deal, as the Bucks need to recoup as much as possible.
Is Giannis Greek or Nigerian?
Giannis Antetokounmpo was born in Athens to Nigerian parents who emigrated back in 1991. He does identify as both, but is a Greek citizen.
Why Did Giannis Change His Last Name?
‘Antetokounmpo’ was formerly ‘Adetokunbo,’ but was changed/modified to reflect Greek phonetic rules of spelling (if you can’t trust the internet…).
Any Final Thoughts?
When the Greek Freak is healthy, he’s as lethal as any player in the league. So, a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade would bring with it a seismic shift around the association. It won’t be as NBA-altering as when the Bucks traded (at his request/demand) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, but it will certainly be one of the main storylines this offseason.
- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
