The Milwaukee Bucks are actively seeking trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday morning.
The news comes after Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said last week he wants Antetokounmpo’s future with the franchise settled before the NBA Draft on June 23-24. He said that future holds two scenarios: either the perennial All-Star agrees to an extension with the franchise or he is moved elsewhere.
Antetokounmpo still thinks the time has come for him to depart
Milwaukee, Charania reported. The 31-year-old star made that stance clear before this past February’s NBA Trade Deadline. Milwaukee began engaging in trade talks then, but a deal failed to materialize.
As the Bucks restart negotiations this time around, many suitors are expected to come to the table, Charania said.
There is expected to be a robust market for Antetokounmpo’s services, and ownership and front office officials expect to maintain their trade deadline asking price of a young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks, sources said.
The Portland Trail Blazers have a legitimate chance of playing a role in an Antetokounmpo trade, even if it’s just as a facilitator in a larger deal that sees Antetokounmpo go to a different team. That’s because the Blazers own a considerable amount of Milwaukee’s future draft capital following the Damian Lillard trade in 2023. Portland owns Milwaukee’s unprotected first-round pick in 2029, while also owning the right to swap first-round picks with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030.
The Blazers could also try to put together a trade package to take a home-run swing at Antetokounmpo themselves. However, that move would come with the inherent risk of surrendering a stockpile of future assets only to acquire the star for one season. Considering that risk, Charania explained Antetokounmpo’s personal preferences will play a huge role in trade negotiations, not just which team can make the best offer outright.
Rival executives believe that Antetokounmpo’s desired teams will be the largest factor in his trade destination. He is essentially on an expiring contract, with next season guaranteed in his deal before a player option in 2027, providing him leverage to navigate to a specific team based on whether he would agree to stay long term given the players and picks needed to acquire him. He becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million contract extension Oct. 1 if he is not traded, or six months after being traded if he’s 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.
Additionally, Charania reported Milwaukee is still open to pursuing a major trade to persuade Antetokounmpo to stay.
The NBA Draft is only about six weeks away, so this next chapter in the Giannis/Milwaukee Saga should provide answers soon.
