Milwaukee Bucks open to Giannis Antetokounmpo trade before NBA Draft
The Milwaukee Bucks are prepared to entertain trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo before the upcoming NBA Draft as they seek clarity on his future.
The Greek forward has two years remaining on his current contract, with the final year operating as a player option.
However, the Eastern Conference franchise is determined to avoid a scenario where their superstar enters the final season of his deal without an extension in place.
Bucks controlling owner Wes Edens has outlined a clear ultimatum regarding the 2021 NBA champion.
“One of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he’ll be traded.”
Contract dilemma forces Milwaukee’s hand
Antetokounmpo becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $275m contract extension on 1 October.
Any potential suitors acquiring the towering athlete would also be eligible to offer the same lucrative extension, though they must wait six months post-trade to formally offer it.
This creates a significant risk for acquiring teams, who must weigh the cost of giving up substantial draft capital without a guaranteed long-term commitment.
Milwaukee held onto their cornerstone player through the February trade deadline, but the impending June draft presents a logical window for a blockbuster move.
Rebuilding assets and cap space challenges
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledged that the draft represents a natural deadline for any potential transaction.
“Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, we’ve got to have a lot of assets. That’s Jon Horst’s job to do, and if he’s here, then you build the team differently.”
General manager Jon Horst currently holds the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft to help facilitate a rebuild or reinforce the current squad.
He will also be permitted to trade the team’s first-round selections for 2031 and 2033 once draft night begins.
The franchise faces significant salary cap constraints, complicating any efforts to build a championship-calibre roster around their star via free agency.
Any team attempting a trade without available cap space will need to send Milwaukee at least $46.6m in returning salary to satisfy NBA financial regulations.