It’s just a fact. No matter how annoying, stressful or impertinent the rumors, the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been the number one topic heading into the offseason, as the rest of the league salivates over the possibility of a trade. While this saga may drag on until Giannis’ contract expires or he signs an extension, it is quite possible nothing comes of it this summer.
Last Friday, NBA insider and Yahoo Sports journalist Jake Fischer reported that teams are losing confidence in the prospect of an Antetokounmpo trade. They will “believe it when they see it,” Fischer said, per quotes from an article on Real GM. Ironically, this information surfaced following a report that afternoon of a possible “tsunami-type offer” from the Knicks.
Despite Fischer’s intel, ESPN’s Bobby Marks still views the Bucks as “the center of the NBA universe this offseason.” Why?
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Trade rumors
Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) attempts to dribble the ball around Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
ESPN Holds on to Prospect of Dramatic Giannis Deal
When it comes to CBA minutiae, contract implications and salary cap rules, Marks, a former general manager for the Nets, is an expert. In the past, he has said he does not wish to engage in hashing up fake Giannis trade scenarios. What is his argument for continuing to view the Bucks, one of his top 10 teams to monitor, as the fulcrum of offseason maneuvering?
At least for those who believe Fischer’s report, the first part of Marks’ summary isn’t entirely convincing. Atop the Bucks section, he cites Giannis’ desire to win a second ring, expressed on his brother’s podcast back in April. Marks also notes Shams Charania’s report that Giannis is “open-minded” about his future and a possible new home.
Certainly these statements are relevant considerations, but they don’t address Fischer’s update. More than anything, they seem to reflect ESPN’s network-wide obsession with a potential Giannis relocation. How much freedom do any of their writers have to push back on this stance?
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis trade rumors
Nov 30, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits during a time out during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
More intriguingly, Marks brings up what should be a critical development in years ahead: Antetokounmpo’s eligibility for a massive extension next offseason:
Antetokounmpo is under contract for the next three seasons, with 2027-28 as a player option. The 30-year-old two-time MVP will be eligible to sign a four-year, $293.4 million extension in the 2026 offseason — either with the Bucks or a new team.
Maximum extension drama won’t kick in until summer 2026, but it is worth wondering whether the Bucks will pony up.
Milwaukee Bucks May Help Shape the Offseason in Another Way
As far as the immediate offseason is concerned, the article also addresses the possibility that Milwaukee makes moves to bring in talent. If Giannis stays, looking to supplement the roster is the next logical step. In 2025, again assuming Giannis remains a Buck, that seems the more pertinent topic.
As Marks notes, the front office is in a bit of a straitjacket:
And like any offseason, Milwaukee is on the clock to put a championship around the former MVP.
Improving the top-heavy roster could prove difficult this summer. Milwaukee cannot trade multiple first-round picks and currently can move only its 2031 or 2032 pick. Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma will earn a combined $130 million of the Bucks’ $164 million in payroll next season.
In all likelihood, Lillard won’t even be available to begin the season, although he takes up a substantial chunk of the payroll. Also, Marks observes, the Bucks have a number of outgoing free agents, headlined by Bobby Portis and Gary Trent Jr. If they don’t re-sign them, the roster will have significant holes to be patched.
Milwaukee Bucks, Bobby Portis, Naz Reid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Giannis trade rumors
Apr 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
On the bright side, trading Khris Middleton for Kuzma got the Bucks beneath the second apron and opened up options.
“There are positives, however. Milwaukee is no longer in financial purgatory and can add in free agency or via trade. It also plays in a wide-open Eastern Conference, where there is no prohibitive favorite next season,” says Marks.
Without a Giannis trade, it is hard to envision the Bucks as the “center” of offseason machinations, but they may stir the waters by quietly acquiring a few win-now pieces. If the Greek Freak is staying – in which case the front office must give him a competitive cast – that seems the only feasible route.
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