A meeting has been set up between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks management that could affect the future of the franchise and possibly set off one of the hottest NBA trade sweepstakes in years. NBA insider Chris Haynes reports (Twitter video link) that Bucks officials contacted Antetokounmpo and his representatives Saturday morning, and the parties will get together “mid next week.”
It’s an event that could have huge ramifications across the NBA landscape if the team isn’t able to convince Antetokounmpo that he can compete for more championships in Milwaukee. There has been speculation for weeks that he might ask for a trade, and a report on Monday indicated that he has become open-minded about pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
The Bucks’ challenge of convincing Antetokounmpo that they can field a title-worthy team around him became more difficult after they were ousted in the first round for the third consecutive year and Damian Lillard was lost with a torn left Achilles. The injury may keep Lillard out of action for all of next season, but his $54.1MM salary will remain on the books and he holds a $58.5MM player option for 2026/27, making it difficult for the front office to acquire any more high-priced talent.
Rumors have been flying about Antetokounmpo’s potential next destination, with a report this week suggesting the Rockets and Spurs are in position to make the best offers for the two-time MVP. That came out before San Antonio moved up to second in Monday night’s draft lottery, creating another valuable trade chip that could be included in any offer. Houston is also awash in young talent and draft assets and may be willing to include All-Star center Alperen Sengun as part of a package to Milwaukee.
The Nets, Heat and Hawks have also been prominently mentioned as potential suitors, while the Pelicans could get involved either directly or as a third team to facilitate a deal because they have the ability to swap picks with Milwaukee in both 2026 and 2027 (top-four protected).
The Thunder are another team with a large collection of draft assets, and they could be motivated to make a play for Antetokounmpo if they fall short of a title after winning 68 games this season.
Antetokounmpo developed into one of the greatest players in franchise history after being selected with the 15th pick in the 2013 draft. He was the cornerstone of the 2021 team that brought Milwaukee its first NBA title in 50 years, but that group has largely been broken up with Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton already being traded away.
Anyone who trades for Antetokounmpo would be getting an all-time great who’s still in his prime without having to worry about re-signing him right away. At age 30, he’s a finalist for MVP honors this year after averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 67 games and shooting 60.1% from the field. He’s under contract for $54.1MM next season and $58.5MM in 2026/27 while possessing a $62.8MM player option for 2027/28.