Milwaukee Bucks open trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of NBA draft

Sources indicate the Milwaukee Bucks are actively seeking trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as the team enters the NBA draft combine. Co-owner Jimmy Haslam has confirmed that a resolution regarding the player's future will be reached before the draft, with the outcome being either a max contract extension or a trade. The franchise, which finished 32-50 this season, is prepared to offer young blue-chip talent and a surplus of draft picks to facilitate a move.

The team holds the 10th overall pick in the draft, two other future first-rounders, and tradable contracts including those of Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma to use in potential deals. Multiple teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers, are expected to pursue Antetokounmpo.

Co-owner Wes Edens previously indicated that one of two things would happen: Antetokounmpo would be extended or traded. The Bucks engaged in trade talks with Antetokounmpo again after the February deadline, following a period of dysfunction that led to the team missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Nothing has changed in Antetokounmpo's stance that the time has come for both sides to move on, sources said.

Antetokounmpo is eligible for a four-year, $275 million contract extension in October if he remains with Milwaukee, or six months after being traded if he moves to a new team. He remains open to leaving Milwaukee after expressing a desire to play for the New York Knicks previously.

Haslam stated that he, along with general manager Jon Horst and new coach Taylor Jenkins, will make the call on the player's future. The conversation will be simple: where does Giannis want to be moved, and where will he sign long term? The franchise has not won a playoff series since 2022, prompting a shift in strategy to either retain the star or acquire a new core.