Bucks Open to Trade Offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo Ahead of NBA Draft

Giannis Antetokounmpo's tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks could end soon.

The Bucks are open to trade offers for the two-time MVP, ESPN reported Monday. The team wants a young blue-chip prospect or a surplus of draft picks in return.

Co-owner Jimmy Haslam, who also owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns, said last week he hopes to complete a deal before the NBA Draft. "I just think before the draft is a natural time," Haslam said at a news conference introducing new head coach Taylor Jenkins. "Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, we've got to have a lot of assets. That's Jon's job to do. And if he's here, then you build the team differently."

Antetokounmpo has said he likes playing in Milwaukee but wants a team committed to winning championships. The Bucks tried that by acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers before the 2023-24 season. An Achilles injury limited Lillard's time in Milwaukee, and he later re-signed with Portland.

Milwaukee went 32-50 in the 2025-26 season and missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years. "We never had any problem communicating directly with Giannis — at all — and always knew where he stood," Haslam said. "And I think he always knew where we stood. We've had those kind of conversations since the season was over. ... So 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. And (GM) Jon (Horst) and Taylor, along with (co-owner) Wes (Edens) and myself will make that call, and we understand the gravity of that call."

The Bucks hold the 10th overall pick in the first round. Antetokounmpo missed the final games of the season. The team called it an injury, but the 10-time All-Star said he was healthy enough to play.

He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 36 games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.