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The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be a long way from their NBA championship heyday just five years ago.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the team is in limbo, and the team is currently on the outside looking in to the playoffs.
During the 139-106 win by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, the Bucks were booed by their home crowd. Then, after making an and-one layup, Antetokounmpo, amid trade rumors, booed them back rather emphatically.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
It was an act he certainly didn’t try to hide, and he defended the gesture after the match.
“When I get booed, I boo back,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone has the right to tell me how to act [a] basketball court after being here for 13 years. And I’m basically the all-time leader in everything.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks gestures during the Minnesota Timberwolves game at Fiserv Forum on Jan. 13, 2026, in Milwaukee. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Antetokounmpo was reportedly discussed by the Bucks and New York Knicks during the offseason — the Big Apple has been Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination should he leave the Bucks. Last month, it was reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent began talks with Bucks brass about his future with the team.
But earlier this month, Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to stay in Milwaukee.
“I’m not (wanting anywhere). I’m invested in this team. I want to turn this team around. I want to play good basketball. I want to be healthy. I want to help my teammates. I want to win games. The last six games we’ve played, we’re 4-2. We’ve got a lot of games ahead of us. I’m locked f— in. I’m just told to stay in.”
“My plan is to be here for the rest of my career.”
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates with guard Kevin Porter Jr. during the Bulls game in Chicago on December 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Despite the two-time MVP averaging 29.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, Milwaukee currently sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with their 17-23 record.
