The Milwaukee Bucks are no longer hiding their intentions. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the franchise has officially informed other teams that they are open to trade discussions regarding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Surprised? Not really. The tension between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks organization has been simmering all season, with their conflict becoming an open secret.
When will the “Giannis sweepstakes” reach a conclusion? Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam recently revealed in an interview that a decision on the star’s future will be made before this summer’s NBA Draft, scheduled for June 24-25. Milwaukee is seeking a package of young core players and/or multiple draft picks in any potential deal. Teams that have shown significant interest include the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat. Notably, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers also made inquiries before this year’s trade deadline.
Of course, as a top-tier superstar, Antetokounmpo’s personal preference will play a major role in any transaction. The Bucks cannot simply send him to any team they choose. Ongoing discussions between the two sides will continue, with the possibility of the 31-year-old Greek Freak remaining in Milwaukee still on the table.
Antetokounmpo is currently under contract through the 2028 season, with a player option for 2027-28. He could decline that option and enter free agency as early as next summer. His salaries for the next two seasons are $58.46 million (2026-27) and $62.79 million (2027-28). Starting this October, he will be eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million supermax extension with the Bucks.
In the regular season just completed, Antetokounmpo played only 36 games due to injuries, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on 62.4% shooting from the field. His limited availability contributed to the Bucks’ disappointing 32-50 record, missing the play-in tournament entirely.
There is no denying that at 31, Antetokounmpo comes with some risk. His physical condition has shown signs of decline, and it’s reasonable to expect that injury issues may become more frequent in the coming years, impacting his availability. Not every player can maintain the durability of LeBron James.