Giannis Antetokounmpo candidly speaks on possibility of getting traded by Milwaukee Bucks amid $186 million contract - "That might be it for us"

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks face immense pressure entering the 2024-25 NBA season after falling short of expectations the last three years. According to the superstar forward, he is conscious that his days with Milwaukee could be numbered if his team experiences another letdown.

Entering his 12th campaign, Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career with the Bucks. In 2021, the two-time MVP led the organization to its first NBA championship in 50 years, cementing his place among Milwaukee's all-time greatest athletes.

Two years later, Antetokounmpo committed to the franchise long-term, signing a three-year, $186 million contract extension last October. However, since the Bucks' 2021 title, they haven't made it past the playoffs' second round, suffering consecutive first-round exits. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo has struggled to stay healthy.

The eight-time All-Star suited up in only three out of 11 possible outings over the last two playoffs. That includes missing his squad's entire six-game first-round 2024 postseason loss to the Indiana Pacers due to a left calf strain.

Last season marked Giannis Antetokounmpo's first alongside his co-star Damian Lillard. The duo was expected to dominate the Eastern Conference. Thus, Milwaukee's latest Round 1 exit was considered a massive disappointment.

Ahead of his second campaign alongside Lillard, Antetokounmpo spoke with The Athletic's Sam Amick about the stakes for all involved.

"On a serious note, this is the job," Antetokounmpo said in an interview published Wednesday. "It's the profession that we're in. At any given moment, if you don't succeed, that might be it for us. It was the same way with the previous coaching staff, and the year before, the players before. … If you don't do a good enough job, you're out."

Amick also noted that "rival front office executives are hoping the Bucks fail miserably so that [Antetokounmpo] might consider an NBA life outside of Milwaukee."

However, Antetokounmpo is locked under contract until 2027, with a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. So, the Bucks would likely receive a massive haul if they ever considered moving on from the eight-time All-NBA selectee.

---

---

Giannis Antetokounmpo focused on health ahead of Bucks' high-stakes 2024-25 NBA season

During his aforementioned interview, Giannis Antetokounmpo noted that health is his main priority as he prepares to seek redemption in Year 12. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old added that he will try to be as dominant as ever to capitalize on what's left of his prime.

"This year, a challenge for me is to be healthy," Antetokounmpo said. "A challenge for me is to play in the playoffs, to get out of the f**king first round. Assert myself even more. Every year for me is important because one day, I'm going to be 35 or 36 or 38 and I'm going to be like, 'Oh, my prime just went, and I wasn't able to do something.' So dominate."

Last season marked Antetokounmpo's first playing 70-plus games since the 2018-19 campaign. However, as he noted, he will look to stay healthy for an entire regular season and playoff run in 2025.

Across 73 appearances last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 61.1%.

---