Milwaukee Bucks seek Giannis Antetokounmpo trade offers ahead of draft
The Milwaukee Bucks are actively inviting trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of next month’s NBA draft as the franchise prepares for a major rebuild.
Team officials anticipate a robust market for the Greek forward.
The asking price remains exceptionally high, with Milwaukee demanding elite young talent or a substantial package of draft picks.
This development follows a tumultuous period where the franchise cornerstone expressed a clear desire to leave the organisation.
A looming draft deadline
Co-owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed a final resolution will be reached before the NBA draft in late June.
Haslam addressed the media during the introductory press conference for 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.”
Jimmy Haslam
Fellow co-owner Wes Edens had previously stated the situation would ultimately end in either a lucrative contract extension or a departure.
Dysfunction and missed playoffs
Tensions between the prominent superstar and the front office have been simmering for over a year.
The highly decorated player even indicated a preference to join the New York Knicks last summer, but Milwaukee refused to sanction a move.
That decision led to a fractured relationship and a bitterly disappointing season on the court.
The former Eastern Conference heavyweights finished with a dismal 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
A late-season knee injury further complicated matters, prompting the player to spark a league investigation into his own organisation regarding his medical shutdown.
New era in Milwaukee
General manager Jon Horst is now tasked with navigating one of the most significant transactions in recent league history.
The impending roster overhaul coincides with a massive change in leadership on the sidelines.
Doc Rivers mutually parted ways with the team following their failure to reach the postseason, paving the way for Jenkins to take charge.