By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following several twists, Giannis Antetokounmpo will indeed stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a recent report about the New York Knicks re-signing Mikal Bridges.
The Knicks were informed that the Freak will not request a trade and thus decided to complete a contract extension with 28-year-old Bridges, as noted by Hoops Wire on Thursday.
An agreement on a four-year, $150 million contract extension between the franchise and the two-time NCAA champion with Villanova was previously revealed by ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania.
With rumors and reports about his future with the Bucks swirling for several weeks, 30-year-old Giannis all but rejected a departure. A similar approach was also presented by officials of the Bucks.
Beyond public statements, offseason moves have been made to reinforce the roster around Antetokounmpo and strengthen the championship bid, heading to the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season. After waiving Damian Lillard, the list of new and returning players stretched from Myles Turner to Gary Harris, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis Jr., Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Jericho Sims.
With Giannis under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season and holding an option for the 2027-28 season, he will be eligible for a four-year contract extension worth nearly $300 million next summer. Therefore, the next Bucks campaign will likely influence upcoming player and team decisions.
Before focusing on his 13th NBA season with the Wisconsin franchise, the native of Athens will also suit up for Greece in the EuroBasket 2025.