With the NBA Draft approaching, the Bucks are considering all options for their star player as trade rumors intensify
Category: Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks are actively exploring trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as the NBA draft combine approaches, with the draft itself set for June 23 and 24. League sources have indicated that there is expected to be a strong market for Antetokounmpo, and the Bucks are maintaining their asking price of a young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks, according to ESPN.
Co-owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed that a resolution concerning Antetokounmpo's future is anticipated before the upcoming draft. "Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we'll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he's going to play somewhere else," Haslam stated during a news conference introducing the team's new head coach, Taylor Jenkins. This marks a continuation of the Bucks' trade discussions that began prior to the February deadline when Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to part ways with the franchise.
Nothing has changed in Antetokounmpo's stance that both parties should move on. "One of two things will happen: Either he will be extended, or he'll be traded," co-owner Wes Edens remarked in March. The Bucks finished the 2025-26 season with a disappointing record of 32-50, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. This decline has prompted the franchise to reconsider its approach moving forward.
Antetokounmpo, who has played all 13 of his NBA seasons in Milwaukee, is a franchise icon, holding every major statistical record in team history. He led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021. Yet, the franchise has not won a playoff series since 2022, and the recent season was marred by injuries and internal discord, culminating in a league investigation into the team's management after Antetokounmpo was shut down late in the season.
From 2018-19 to 2024-25, the Bucks boasted the best win percentage in the league at .663. The team had high expectations following the acquisitions of stars like Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, but failed to meet them this past season. The coaching change, which saw Doc Rivers depart and Jenkins take the helm, signals a new direction for the organization. Jenkins, who received a lucrative six-year contract, is expected to instill a fresh culture within the team.
As the draft approaches, the Bucks are weighing their options carefully. The team’s firm stance on requiring a substantial return for Antetokounmpo suggests they are not merely looking to offload him but are also considering how to retool around him if possible. Multiple teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers, have previously shown interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo.
With the NBA Draft now just over six weeks away, the Bucks are expected to field numerous calls from interested teams. The draft lottery has already set the order for the upcoming selections, and several teams are eager to bolster their rosters with a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber. Reports indicate that about ten teams could realistically make a run at him, with discussions likely intensifying as the draft nears.
The Bucks shopped Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline in February but opted to retain him for the remainder of the season. The upcoming draft presents a new opportunity for the franchise, as it must decide whether to extend Antetokounmpo or let him go. If Milwaukee chooses to trade him, the return would need to include a mix of young talent and future draft assets, as emphasized by league sources.
As the playoffs continue, the performance of potential suitors will play a key role in shaping the trade market. Teams that advance deep into the playoffs may feel emboldened to pursue Antetokounmpo aggressively, particularly if they believe he can help them secure a championship. The Bucks have made it clear that they are open to discussions, and the coming weeks will be a defining period for both the franchise and its star player.
Antetokounmpo, who averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists last season, has indicated that he is open to exploring his options. With his contract situation also in play—he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in October if he remains with the Bucks—the stakes are high for both sides. The next few weeks will be instrumental in determining whether he signs a max contract to stay in Milwaukee or if the Bucks will trade him to a team of his choosing.
The Bucks are at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the next few weeks will shape the future of the franchise. With the draft approaching, attention will turn to Milwaukee as the team navigates this complex situation involving one of the league's brightest stars.