Giannis Antetokounmpo has communicated that he is ready to move on from the Milwaukee Bucks either ahead of the trade deadline or in the offseason. The Bucks have signaled that they are more open than ever to trading Antetokounmpo even though they plan on remaining patient in negotiations.
The Bucks are seeking a blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks. Milwaukee could receive a more appealing package of draft picks in June if they wait.
Antetokounmpo has informed the Bucks for months that he believes the moment has come to part ways. Antetokounmpo will become eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on Oct. 1.
Antetokounmpo will miss the next several weeks after sustaining a right calf strain.
The Bucks entered the season with hopes of competing in the Eastern Conference after waiving and stretching Damian Lillard in order to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $108 million deal. Antetokounmpo responded by expressing his doubts and for his preference to be traded to the New York Knicks if the teams could agree upon a trade, but he ultimately recommitted to trying to make it work with the Bucks this season.
Antetokounmpo has made it clear to the Bucks that he loves both the city of Milwaukee and the franchise. But Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have held discussions with Jon Horst whether his best fit is Milwaukee or elsewhere.
“This is nine months in the making,” said Shams Charania on First Take in explaining Antetokounmpo’s decision to seek a move elsewhere.
The Bucks have tried to operate as a buyer heading to the trade deadline as Antetokounmpo’s status long-term remained unclear and they continued to try to build around him. The Bucks can currently trade either their 2031 or 2032 first round pick. In June, the Bucks can trade their pick this year along with their 2031 and 2033 selections.
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the NBA championship in 2021.