According to ESPN reports released Monday, the Milwaukee Bucks are willing to entertain trade discussions involving superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as the NBA draft approaches this summer.
The franchise had previously considered moving the two-time Most Valuable Player before the regular season’s trade deadline but ultimately decided to keep their cornerstone player through at least the current offseason period.
Team co-owner Jimmy Haslam revealed to media members last week his desire to have Antetokounmpo’s future determined prior to the draft scheduled for June 23-24.
“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 stated to reporters last Wednesday. “(General manager) Jon (Horst) and (new coach) Taylor (Jenkins), along with (co-owner) Wes (Edens) and myself, will make that call and we understand the gravity of that call.”
Sources indicate Milwaukee would seek proven young players and potentially multiple draft selections in any potential deal involving Antetokounmpo.
The veteran forward has compiled impressive career statistics across 13 seasons and 895 total games (830 as a starter) with Milwaukee, posting averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per contest. His leadership helped deliver the organization’s first championship in five decades during the 2021 season. The 31-year-old has earned 10 All-Star selections and nine All-NBA team honors.
This past season proved challenging for Antetokounmpo, who appeared in just 36 games due to various injuries affecting his groin, calf and knee. His final appearance came on March 15, though he expressed frustration in early April about being healthy but unavailable to compete.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo shared with reporters on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.”
He continued: “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”
Antetokounmpo’s contract includes $58.46 million for the 2026-27 campaign and features a player option for the following season.
Sunday’s NBA draft lottery resulted in Washington securing the top selection, while Milwaukee received the 10th overall pick. The draft combine begins Monday in Chicago.
