In a season as tumultuous as this one was for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, it's simply the kind of revelation that brings to mind Leonardo DiCaprio's legendary "I'm not leaving!" speech in 2013's The Wolf of Wall Street.
Bill Simmons, speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast with Ryen Russillo, stated, "Everyone in Milwaukee thinks he's coming back." He added, "Granted, the weeks pass, and you never know. But I don't think they're expecting a trade request."
That’s not sourced intel. That’s vibes—and they’re strong. They’re the kind of vibes that come when Giannis Antetokounmpo, fresh off another soul-emptying playoff exit, logs into Instagram and answers the burning question for all of us to see.
Postseasons like this are never easy for the Bucks faithful. The media machinery goes all-in on Giannis-to-wherever narratives, and fan bases across the association make their own cases for why the Greek Freak is definitely going to so-and-so. And considering how things flamed out in the playoffs, this might be the first time in a while where it felt like all the noise actually had merit.
Until now.
It's looking like Giannis Antetokounmpo is here to stay
This sentiment aligns with recent interactions between Giannis Antetokounmpo and teammate Bobby Portis. In an Instagram comment, Giannis wrote, "Don’t worry about me! What you doing Bobby, you staying or leaving?" It was an obvious nod to Portis's $13.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season.
In a separate podcast appearance aired over FanDuel's Run it Back, Portis, who holds a $13.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, expressed his belief in Giannis's loyalty. He said then: "I think he bleeds wanting that Tim Duncan, Kobe [Bryant]-esque type career, Steph Curry type career, where they play with one franchise."
Obviously, it’s all still so very far from something definitive. It never is with Giannis. But the Bucks aren’t treating this summer like an inflection point. They’re treating it like a reset. The franchise isn’t bracing for a trade demand. They’re trying to find a new coach (potentially), new role players and a new way to get through a loaded East. That doesn’t happen if your superstar is on the fence.
Milwaukee's way forward is murky at best. They're likely not landing another star to pair with the Greek Freak (which is how they've always secured his loyalty for at least another season), and they're suffering the consequences of trading away practically all their assets for Jrue Holiday, Jae Crowder, Damian Lillard, then Kyle Kuzma.
But when you have a player like Antetokounmpo, it's never over.
In case you needed a reminder: Giannis is under contract through the 2026–27 season, with a player option worth some $63 million for the season after. This year, he put up MVP-worthy averages yet again of 30.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists over 72 games.
As we all know, Simmons has always been one of the most respected and well-connected commentators in the league's media landscape. And despite the Milwaukee Bucks' recent playoff struggles, Simmons's remarks suggest that both the organization and its star player are focused on continuity and internal improvement rather than exploring trade options.
The real message should be clear for anyone paying attention. It's this: “I’m still here, and I still believe the window is wide open. Do you?”