Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Looks To Play In NBA Until 36 Or 38

Milwaukee Bucks Power Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo recently said that he can play in the NBA until he’s 36 or 38. Here’s why Antetokounmpo, 30, said what he said.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Recent Statement

Antetokounmpo has a plan for his professional basketball career, which involves playing basketball in his native Greece. In a recent appearance on “ANT1’s The 2Night Show“, the star player said that he “can play in the NBA until I’m 36-38,” at which point he would “like to end my career” on a Greek team.

“I don’t want to live in the United States,” he said. “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.”

Antetokounmpo’s Outlook

Antetokounmpo is under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks for the next two seasons. After that, he will get the chance to enter free agency in the summer of 2027. But, for now, he is set to begin his 13th season in the NBA with the Bucks. His tenure with the Bucks will continue after a summer of him reportedly exploring his options.

Final Thoughts

If Antetokounmpo follows through with his plan, he will play six to eight more seasons in the NBA. He will turn 31 on December 6. He may not play those seasons all with the Milwaukee Bucks. He’s reportedly “locked in” with the Bucks entering the 2025-26 NBA season, but he could “change my mind” if things don’t go well in Milwaukee.

If the former MVP fares well with his plan, he will give himself 18 to 20 seasons in the NBA. He could potentially reach 30,000 points and 15,000 rebounds in his professional basketball career. Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are currently the only players in NBA history to hit both of those milestones.