Milwaukee Bucks want Giannis Antetokounmpo future settled before draft
Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam wants Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future resolved before next month’s NBA draft to clarify the franchise’s rebuilding strategy.
Haslam made the comments on Wednesday alongside general manager Jon Horst during a press conference introducing Taylor Jenkins as the team’s new head coach.
The Greek forward has spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise but could depart following a heavily disrupted, injury-hit season.
Asset planning before the draft
The two-time MVP has consistently stated his desire to remain in Wisconsin provided the team remains capable of challenging for NBA championships.
However, Milwaukee finished this campaign with a dismal 32-50 record, ending a streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances.
“I just think before the draft is a natural time. If Giannis does play somewhere else, we’ve got to have a lot of assets.”
Jimmy Haslam, Bucks co-owner
The organisation can offer their star player a lucrative four-year, $275m (£216m) contract extension in October.
Should he decline the offer, the 2021 NBA Finals MVP could become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season.
Jenkins takes charge of rebuild
Haslam stressed that the ownership group, alongside management and the new coaching staff, will ultimately decide the roster’s direction over the next two months.
The Bucks hold a lottery pick in this year’s draft, creating an immediate deadline to either build around their franchise cornerstone or pivot towards a full rebuild.
“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
New head coach Jenkins arrives having previously led the Memphis Grizzlies to three consecutive playoff berths between 2021 and 2023.
He previously worked with Antetokounmpo as an assistant on Mike Budenholzer’s staff during the 2018-19 season.
“Obviously, even only being here for one season, he and I established a really good relationship and maintained that respect, even from a distance.”
Taylor Jenkins, Bucks head coach