Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has never forgotten his roots, and now, he’s making it clear that his basketball journey will come full circle in his homeland.
In an interview on Greece’s The 2Night Show, the two-time NBA MVP shared his desire to end his professional career playing for a Greek team, marking a significant shift in his long-term plans.
“I’m 30 years old, I can play in the NBA until I’m 36–38,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’d like to end my career in a Greek team, why not? I don’t want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece. I could end my career here, whether this team is called Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris… I’m talking about all the teams now”.
The statement not only underscores Giannis’ deep connection to his heritage but also signals a potential farewell to the NBA within the next six to eight years. Having spent his entire 12-year NBA career with the Bucks, Giannis has become one of the league’s most dominant and beloved figures. Yet, his comments suggest that his final chapter may be written on European courts, where his basketball journey first began.
Before being drafted 15th overall in 2013, Giannis played for Filathlitikos in Greece, a club he fondly referenced among possible destinations for his retirement run. His return would be a monumental moment for Greek basketball, potentially elevating domestic interest and inspiring a new generation of players.
While Giannis remains under contract with Milwaukee through the 2026–27 season, his long-term vision is clear: a return to family, culture, and the community that shaped him. For fans in Greece, the idea of watching the “Greek Freak” in local arenas is no longer just a dream, it’s a future he’s actively planning.
