Two-time regular season MVP, former Finals MVP, and 2020-21 NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo is closer to leaving Milwaukee than many might believe. Since winning the title five seasons ago, the Bucks have not returned to the Eastern Conference Finals or NBA Finals despite three coaching changes and Damian Lillard's addition before last year. Although they are firmly in the top six and will avoid the Play-In Tournament, 4-6 in the previous ten outings and four straight losses have caused emotions to boil over in the locker room. Lillard is sidelined indefinitely, head coach Doc Rivers still hasn't won over the team, and there's no reason to believe they'll be making a championship run in the next few months. During Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Antetokounmpo added more fuel to the narrative that he may be on the move if things don't change in a hurry.
He's Already Hinted At Playing In A Bulls Uniform
A few years ago, when his contract was nearing expiration, and the Bucks were struggling to find their way back to the top, the nine-time All-Star was posed with the idea of playing in the United Center for the Chicago Bulls. To the surprise of many, his answer left the door open to leaving Milwaukee at some point during his career. Since he's not a free agent until 2028 and won't have a player option until 2027, it would take a massive trade to see his departure. Nonetheless, he spoke highly of the Bulls organization and its' history.
Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t rule out playing for the Bulls in the future 👀
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 15, 2022
“I'm committed to the Bucks. Down the line, you never know. Maybe I play for Chicago.”
(🎥 @foxkickoff ) pic.twitter.com/RyKMfb5Zk9
Frustrations Building In Milwaukee
Since winning the title, things have gone off the rails for the Bucks. They've been through three different head coaches and added Lillard and other All-Star caliber players in efforts to utilize Antetokounmpo's prime, yet haven't been beyond the second round of the playoffs. This week, things got visibly worse. While almost averaging a triple-double this month with 28.3 points per night, the Bucks are still 7-8 this month when he's in the lineup and sliding in the playoff standings. Does this kind of action signal that things have reached an all-time low for the superstar?
Good morning, @Giannis_An34. 🌇
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bulls (@JAYChi_Bulls) March 31, 2025
The greatest city in the world is patiently waiting for you. ⏳
We hope you have a great day, King. 👑 pic.twitter.com/KvqiXCESMI
Chicago's young core would be a perfect landing spot for one of the league's top players, and they have plenty of newfound cap space since cutting ties with Zach LaVine. Even though it would cost Chicago many of their top assets, gaining a top-five player leaguewide is always the best option. In a league that requires a superstar to win championships, this would be the most significant trade in Chicago's illustrious history.
If Giannis chooses to test the waters in a trade situation or the Bucks decide to scrap the group they've failed with each of the last four years, could the Bulls strike gold?
