The Milwaukee Bucks are actively seeking trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo over six weeks before the 2026 NBA draft.
With the NBA draft combine approaching and over six weeks remaining until the draft, the Milwaukee Bucks are actively pursuing trade opportunities for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ownership and front-office executives anticipate a strong market for Antetokounmpo, aiming to secure a return that includes either a promising young player or multiple draft selections. The team has set a trade deadline asking price that reflects their valuation of his potential impact elsewhere.
Co-owner Jimmy Haslam emphasized that the Bucks will resolve Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future before the June 23-24 draft. He stated that a decision will be made within the next six or seven weeks on whether Antetokounmpo will sign a maximum contract to stay or be traded. Haslam, alongside general manager Jon Horst and co-owner Wes Edens, acknowledged the significance of this decision during a news conference introducing new coach Taylor Jenkins.
Sources confirm that Giannis Antetokounmpo believes it is time for both sides to move on, a position unchanged since discussions began months ago. Edens previously outlined two possible outcomes in March: Antetokounmpo will either receive an extension or be traded. The combine in Chicago marks a key moment as teams prepare to engage in potential deals for the two-time MVP.
The Bucks’ trade saga with Giannis Antetokounmpo began a year prior when he expressed openness to finding a better fit outside Milwaukee. Discussions intensified throughout the year, including Antetokounmpo’s stated desire to join the New York Knicks last summer. Despite Milwaukee’s belief in their contender status, negotiations with the Knicks stalled last August, leading to a season of dysfunction.
Antetokounmpo made his trade request clear to the franchise, which led to deadline discussions and a strained relationship. The Bucks finished 32-50, missing the postseason and play-in tournament, ending a nine-year playoff streak. From 2018-19 to 2024-25, Milwaukee posted the NBA’s best win percentage at .663, fueled by trades for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard.
Milwaukee parted ways with Doc Rivers and hired Taylor Jenkins on a six-year contract as the new head coach. Jenkins’ hiring signals a fresh direction for the franchise, which views him as a long-term leader. The Bucks also retained flexibility to pursue a major trade if it could persuade Antetokounmpo to remain, with multiple assets available.
The Bucks have up to three first-round picks and tradeable contracts such as Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma to include in potential deals. One first-round selection is interchangeable between Milwaukee and the New Orleans Pelicans this year. Last offseason, the team waived Damian Lillard and spread $113 million across five seasons to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $108 million deal.
The draft lottery marked the first major offseason event, with teams like the Golden State Warriors (No. 11) and Miami Heat (No. 13) securing picks that could strengthen their trade offers for Antetokounmpo. Postseason teams including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers pursued him at the February deadline, and their playoff outcomes will influence their aggressiveness.
Executives believe Antetokounmpo’s desired destination will be the biggest factor in any trade. His contract includes a guaranteed season followed by a player option in 2027, giving him leverage to steer his destination. If not traded, he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension starting October 1, or six months after a trade with a new team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, now 31, has played all 13 NBA seasons with Milwaukee and holds every major franchise statistical record. He led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021. This season, he appeared in 36 games due to groin, calf, and knee injuries, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.