Sports

Bucks Open Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks as NBA Giants Circle

From Knicks to Lakers, every contender is calling: what Milwaukee wants back and how fast a Giannis trade could happen.

Milwaukee Bucks Pursuing Trade Offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The Milwaukee Bucks are officially listening to trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, marking the clearest sign yet that the franchise could be preparing to move on from the player who delivered its first NBA championship in 50 years.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Milwaukee has opened discussions with teams ahead of the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, with the organization expected to seek a package centered around elite young talent and significant draft capital. The report also states that nothing has changed regarding Antetokounmpo’s belief that “the time had come for both sides to move on.”

The NBA Draft is set for June 23 and 24, and Bucks ownership appears determined to resolve the situation before then. Co-owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledged the uncertainty publicly while introducing new head coach Taylor Jenkins.

“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 said. “We understand the gravity of that call.”

Milwaukee’s front office is reportedly still exploring multiple paths, including possible roster upgrades designed to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. The Bucks hold the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft and have tradable contracts, including those of Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma, available for potential deals.

Still, leaguewide interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo appears massive. Teams, including the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic, have all explored scenarios involving the two-time MVP.

The Knicks, in particular, have repeatedly surfaced in conversations tied to Antetokounmpo over the past year. Previous reporting indicated Giannis informed Milwaukee last summer that he had interest in New York, though talks between the teams failed to gain traction.

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