NBA legend envisions Gianni’s Antetokounmpo playing for Chicago Bulls.
in August 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP and reigning Finals MVP, sparked significant buzz when he expressed openness to the possibility of playing for the Chicago Bulls later in his career. During an interview with Fox 32 Chicago, Antetokounmpo was asked about the prospect of joining the Bulls, to which he responded, “I think anybody you ask that question that plays basketball, if he said no, he’d be a liar. It’s a team that won multiple championships; it’s a team that one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player to ever play this game, played for. So it’s a no-brainer; everybody would love to play for Chicago.” (ESPN.com)
He further added, “Down the line, you never know. You never know how life brings it. Maybe I play for Chicago, but right now I’m committed to Milwaukee.” (nbcsportschicago.com, ESPN.com)
Antetokounmpo’s comments were notable not only for their candidness but also for the respect they conveyed toward the Bulls’ storied legacy, particularly the era dominated by Michael Jordan. At the time, Antetokounmpo had four years remaining on a five-year, $228 million extension he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. This contract commitment suggested that any potential move to Chicago would be several years away. (ESPN.com)
Fast forward to May 2025, and Antetokounmpo’s situation has evolved. After 12 seasons with the Bucks, including nine All-Star selections and an NBA championship, he is reportedly open to the possibility of leaving Milwaukee. This marks the first time in his career that he is considering a future outside of the Bucks. Antetokounmpo is under contract through the 2026-27 season, with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. His impressive performance in the 2024-25 season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, has kept him among the league’s elite. (Reuters)
The NBA Combine in Chicago has become a focal point for discussions about Antetokounmpo’s future, with other teams expected to engage in conversations about a potential deal. The Bucks are also anticipated to meet with Antetokounmpo’s representatives to discuss his future with the franchise. (Reuters)
While Antetokounmpo’s previous comments about the Bulls were made in the context of respect for the franchise’s history, the current speculation about his future has reignited discussions about the possibility of him joining the Bulls. His acknowledgment of the Bulls’ legacy and his openness to playing for them “down the line” have kept the door slightly ajar for such a move.
As of now, Antetokounmpo remains under contract with the Bucks, and there have been no official indications of an impending move to Chicago. However, with the evolving dynamics of his career and the Bulls’ ongoing efforts to build a competitive team, the possibility of Antetokounmpo donning a Bulls jersey in the future remains a topic of interest among fans and analysts alike.
August 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP and reigning Finals MVP, sparked significant buzz when he expressed openness to the possibility of playing for the Chicago Bulls later in his career. During an interview with Fox 32 Chicago, Antetokounmpo was asked about the prospect of joining the Bulls, to which he responded, “I think anybody you ask that question that plays basketball, if he said no, he’d be a liar. It’s a team that won multiple championships; it’s a team that one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player to ever play this game, played for. So it’s a no-brainer; everybody would love to play for Chicago.” (ESPN.com)
He further added, “Down the line, you never know. You never know how life brings it. Maybe I play for Chicago, but right now I’m committed to Milwaukee.” (nbcsportschicago.com, ESPN.com)
Antetokounmpo’s comments were notable not only for their candidness but also for the respect they conveyed toward the Bulls’ storied legacy, particularly the era dominated by Michael Jordan. At the time, Antetokounmpo had four years remaining on a five-year, $228 million extension he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. This contract commitment suggested that any potential move to Chicago would be several years away. (ESPN.com)
Fast forward to May 2025, and Antetokounmpo’s situation has evolved. After 12 seasons with the Bucks, including nine All-Star selections and an NBA championship, he is reportedly open to the possibility of leaving Milwaukee. This marks the first time in his career that he is considering a future outside of the Bucks. Antetokounmpo is under contract through the 2026-27 season, with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. His impressive performance in the 2024-25 season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, has kept him among the league’s elite. (Reuters)
The NBA Combine in Chicago has become a focal point for discussions about Antetokounmpo’s future, with other teams expected to engage in conversations about a potential deal. The Bucks are also anticipated to meet with Antetokounmpo’s representatives to discuss his future with the franchise. (Reuters)
While Antetokounmpo’s previous comments about the Bulls were made in the context of respect for the franchise’s history, the current speculation about his future has reignited discussions about the possibility of him joining the Bulls. His acknowledgment of the Bulls’ legacy and his openness to playing for them “down the line” have kept the door slightly ajar for such a move.
As of now, Antetokounmpo remains under contract with the Bucks, and there have been no official indications of an impending move to Chicago. However, with the evolving dynamics of his career and the Bulls’ ongoing efforts to build a competitive team, the possibility of Antetokounmpo donning a Bulls jersey in the future remains a topic of interest among fans and analysts alike.
