Sources: Bucks seeking trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks are open for enterprise on trade calls and offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo getting into the NBA draft mix and over six weeks away from the draft, league and group sources advised ESPN.
There is predicted to be a strong market for Antetokounmpo, and possession and front-office officers anticipate to keep up their trade deadline by asking worth of a younger blue-chip expertise and/or a surplus of draft picks, sources stated.
The Bucks engaged in Antetokounmpo trade talks earlier than the February deadline because the cornerstone franchise believed for a interval of months that the time had come to half methods. They now will once more after co-owner Jimmy Haslam said a decision is coming earlier than the draft on June 23 and 24. Nothing has modified in Antetokounmpo’s stance that the time has come for either side to maneuver on, sources stated.
“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 advised reporters Wednesday throughout a information convention introducing Taylor Jenkins because the Bucks’ new coach. “And [general manager] Jon [Horst] and Taylor, along with [co-owner] Wes [Edens] and myself, will make that call and we understand the gravity of that call.”
Haslam has stated publicly and privately that the Bucks will work with Antetokounmpo within the coming weeks on an consequence that’s greatest for either side.
“One of two things will happen: Either he will be extended, or he’ll be traded,” Edens advised ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne in March.
The NBA draft mix begins Monday in Chicago.
The Bucks’ trade saga with Antetokounmpo started a yr in the past. Last May, Antetokounmpo expressed an openness to finding his best fit outside of Milwaukee. Conversations between Antetokounmpo’s aspect and the Bucks continued to escalate because the yr went on, together with Antetokounmpo informing all parties that he had a desire to play for the New York Knicks final summer season. The Bucks believed the group was set to be a contender within the Eastern Conference and determined to carry onto it after failed traction in talks with the Knicks final August.
It all culminated in a season of dysfunction across the Bucks: Antetokounmpo made it clear to the franchise that he was ready to be tradedthe group mentioned offers on the deadline, and a fractured relationship between the two sides led to him sparking a league investigation into his personal group for shutting him down late within the season with a knee harm.
The Bucks completed 32-50 and outdoors of the postseason and play-in event, snapping a streak of 9 consecutive years within the playoffs. From 2018-19 to 2024-25, the Bucks had one of the best win share within the NBA at .663 — behind huge swings by Horst in buying Jrue Holiday (2020) and Damian Lillard (2023) in separate trades. But the franchise has not gained a playoff collection since 2022.
The Bucks made a training change after the season, mutually parting methods with Doc Rivers and hiring Jenkins. Milwaukee and Jenkins, 41, partnered for the long run – as evidenced by him receiving a profitable six-year contract, per sources — and now essentially the most sought-after candidate in the marketplace will lead the Bucks’ new tradition.
The Bucks are additionally leaving the door open to pursue a significant trade to persuade Antetokounmpo to remain as soon as once more, permitting Horst to work parallel paths. They may have as much as three first-round picks and tradeable contracts akin to Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma to supply in offers this offseason. One of these first-rounders is the least favorable of their very own or the New Orleans Pelicans‘this yr.
Last offseason, Milwaukee waived Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract over 5 seasons to herald Myles Turner In a four-year, $108 million deal in one other all-in transfer.
Sunday’s draft lottery was the primary touchstone of the offseason. Multiple groups anticipated to pursue Antetokounmpo this offseason, such because the Golden State Warriors (No. 11) and Miami Heat (No. 13), acquired their lottery picks to solidify potential offers.
The NBA playoffs signify one other landmark level for the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Sources stated postseason groups such because the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston CelticsKnicks and Los Angeles Lakers pursued Antetokounmpo on the February deadline, and their finishes to the marketing campaign will play a significant component of their aggressiveness to trade for Antetokounmpo.
Rival executives imagine that Antetokounmpo’s desired groups would be the largest think about his trade vacation spot. He is basically on an expiring contract with subsequent season assured in his deal earlier than a participant possibility in 2027, offering him leverage to navigate to a selected group based mostly on whether or not he would agree to remain long run given the gamers and picks wanted to accumulate him. He turns into eligible for a four-year, $275 million contract extension Oct. 1 if he’s not traded, or six months after being traded with a brand new group.
“The conversation will be simple: Where does [Giannis] want to be moved and where will he sign long term?” one supply with direct involvement within the scenario advised ESPN.
Antetokounmpo, 31, has performed all 13 of his NBA seasons in Milwaukee and holds each main statistical report in franchise historical past. He led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021.
Antetokounmpo performed 36 video games this season as he was tormented by groin, calf and knee accidents. He averaged 27.6 factors, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists for the season.