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Giannis Antetokounmpo sat down for a discussion with Sport24 after securing a bronze medal with Team Greece at EuroBasket 2025.
When asked if he could envision playing for a European club, the two-time NBA MVP responded that he would be open to the idea—provided the circumstances and timing were right.
“Absolutely. Just last year, after the Olympic Qualifiers, I was watching some highlights with Thanasis and I said, ‘Hey, Thanasis…’ He looked at me as if I had lost my mind. He seemed to wonder, ‘The best player in the world—or one of the top players—would actually come back to play in Europe?’” Giannis recounted.
He believes that other players might consider a similar move if the opportunity were suitable.
“Certainly, it’s possible. If you told Jokic he could make about the same salary while being back home in Serbia, he’d probably jump at the chance. For me, I think a lot about the wear and tear on my body. The financial aspect is quite different, but it’s also the entire organizational structure that varies significantly. After being in the NBA, you realize how things function. However, every time I represent my national team, I find myself echoing this sentiment.”
Giannis also opened up about a conversation he had at home.
“I asked my wife, ‘Would you rather live in Greece or stay in Milwaukee?’ She looked at me and responded, ‘Athens. Athens. Athens is nice.’ I said, ‘Alright, think it over.’ I feel that the game here is significantly more physical. You take more contact, yet the players delivering those hits aren’t quite the same. You understand what I mean?”
He acknowledged that the gameplay in Europe has its unique challenges.
“Absolutely, there’s a certain sneakiness to it. It’s a bit rougher around the edges. But here, you don’t have the likes of Duren from Detroit. It’s not Adebayo, or Steven Adams, and definitely not Zach Edey, Anthony Davis, or Jaren Jackson. I could go on all night. You still endure hits, but the physicality in Europe isn’t the same. So, in some respects, it’s easier.”
So, is this a feasible possibility?
“Yes. Messi made the move to MLS and went to Miami. If the right conditions and timing align, it wouldn’t bother me at all.”
When it was pointed out that he had mentioned “Athens or Milwaukee” instead of clubs like Barcelona or Monaco, Giannis grinned and replied:
“You noticed that. You’re clever…”
