Last week, Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam revealed that he wanted to have clarity on the situation involving superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft gets underway on June 23.
It turns out Haslam and Co. seemingly didn’t need to wait all that long during the team’s offseason to see the writing on the wall regarding Antetokounmpo’s future.
The Bucks have made a massive Giannis Antetokounmpo trade decision
On Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Bucks “are open for business on trade calls and offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo entering the NBA Draft combine and over six weeks away from the draft.”
While Antetokounmpo could sign a four-year, $275M contract extension to stay with the Bucks on Oct. 1, he could threaten to become a free agent after next season ends. He previously insisted that he was “committed” to playing for what’s been his only NBA club since he was drafted in 2013, but Charania shared on Monday that sources say that “nothing has changed in Antetokounmpo’s stance that the time has come for both sides to move on.”
The New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are among the playoff teams mentioned by Charania that could become potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo. The Knicks will play in this year’s conference finals, while the Cavaliers, Timberwolves and Lakers were also all part of the ongoing postseason tournament as of the time Charania offered his update. It sounds like Antetokounmpo will basically be able to pick his next employer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has power regarding the Bucks’ final trade decision
“Rival executives believe that Antetokounmpo’s desired teams will be the largest factor in his trade destination,” Charania added. “…He becomes eligible for a four-year, $275M contract extension Oct. 1 if he is not traded, or six months after being traded with a new team. ‘The conversation will be simple: Where does [Giannis] want to be moved and where will he sign long term?’ one source with direct involvement in the situation told ESPN.”
Charania was sure to note that “the Bucks are also leaving the door open to pursue a major trade to convince Antetokounmpo to stay once again.” That said, Milwaukee ended the 2025-26 regular season with a record of 32-50, and Antetokounmpo has made it known he wants to compete for more than just a postseason berth in the next campaign.
It’s also worth noting that Antetokounmpo’s relationship with the Bucks may have been damaged after the club shut him down in the middle of March due to a left knee hyperextension.