The Milwaukee Bucks hope to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo after another early playoff exit, but growing league-wide speculation suggests a trade request may be looming.
The Milwaukee Bucks remain hopeful that Giannis Antetokounmpo will choose to stay put rather than request a trade following a third straight first-round playoff exit, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Points this season
Milwaukee Bucks
NBA
The two-time MVP has spent his entire 12-season career with the Bucks, and the organization is eager for that run to continue, per the same report.
However, league-wide speculation about a possible Antetokounmpo trade continues to grow.
Many in the NBA reportedly believe it's only a matter of time before the 30-year-old star concludes that Milwaukee can no longer build a true contender around him, making the Bucks' optimism feel more like wishful thinking.
Antetokounmpo is scheduled to meet with the Bucks' front office mid-week, which will give him a chance to discuss the team's direction and future plans.
Credit USA TODAY Sports
Despite persistent speculation, teams like the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs—long rumored as potential landing spots—may not be realistic destinations this summer.
A Bucks insider, Jim Owczarski, recently dismissed the trade talk, reporting a deal involving Giannis this offseason is highly unlikely. The reasons include the complexities of his supermax contract and the challenges any team would face in matching it.
Greek Freak remains under contract through the 2026–27 season and holds a $62 million player option for 2027–28. His contract does not include a no-trade clause.
In this year's playoffs, despite the Bucks' 4–1 series loss to the Indiana Pacers, Giannis posted dominant numbers, averaging 33.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists across five games.
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