It now appears that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s days with the Milwaukee Bucks are numbered. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the franchise is open to receiving calls and trade proposals for the Greek superstar. This long-running saga, which has dragged on for months—almost years—of speculation, is finally taking shape. With the draft lottery completed and less than six weeks until the NBA draft, the player who has called Milwaukee home since arriving in the league in 2013 could be on the move. A love story that fractured some time ago now seems poised to allow Antetokounmpo to enjoy a fresh start, while his soon-to-be former team can embark on a long-overdue and ultimately inevitable rebuild.
The Bucks are reportedly seeking a young star or a high draft pick in exchange for Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee initiated discussions about trading the Greek star before the February trade deadline, as the franchise’s cornerstone had felt for months that the time had come to part ways. However, no appealing offers materialized, and the team kept the player. Now they are back at it: co-owner Jimmy Haslam stated that a resolution will be reached before the draft, scheduled for June 23 and 24. Antetokounmpo’s stance remains unchanged—he has been saying for a while that he wants out—so it is time for both sides to move forward.
“At some point in the next six or seven weeks, we will decide whether Giannis signs a max contract and stays with us or plays for another team,” Haslam told the press during the introduction of Taylor Jenkins as the Bucks’ new head coach. “Jon Horst (general manager), Taylor, Wes Edens (co-owner), and I will make that decision, and we are aware of its significance.” The decision now seems clear, despite the newly hired coach stating he has a good relationship with the Greek star. Giannis’ behind-the-scenes actions have significantly hurt the Bucks in recent seasons, and it appears the organization has finally had enough, willing to part with its superstar.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers were among the teams that inquired about Giannis before the February deadline. In the case of the Knicks, negotiations stalled because the Bucks didn’t want to send the Greek star to a direct rival, though the player’s preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are also among the favorites to land his services, while the Lakers’ chances are considered remote, depending heavily on what LeBron James decides to do. Rival team executives believe Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations will be the determining factor in his fate.
His contract is nearing its end, with next season guaranteed and a player option for 2027, giving him leverage to negotiate his move according to his preferences—which are many. The Bucks, who won their first title in 50 years in 2021, are a team in decline that has made questionable decisions (letting Jrue Holiday go for Damian Lillard, who didn’t work out and is no longer with the team). This season has been a struggle, and the franchise now faces a critical crossroads.
