NBA executives increasingly anticipate Bucks will trade Giannis Antetokounmpo
nba-executives-anticipate-bucks-trade-giannis-antetokounmpo
Momentum inside NBA circles has shifted from speculation to expectation that the Milwaukee Bucks will move Giannis Antetokounmpo before next season, league sources told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps during the draft combine.
“It just feels like they’re done with the circus,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “They seem to want a clean break and to move on.”
Soft deadline tied to the draft
Co-owner Jimmy Haslam has informed team officials that the NBA Draft serves as a target date to decide whether to retool the roster around Antetokounmpo or launch a rebuild centered on the haul a trade could bring, according to the report.
Contract timing adds pressure
The two-time MVP is under contract for one more season and holds a player option for 2025-26. On Oct. 1, he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension. Front-office executives around the league believe Antetokounmpo would sign that deal if he is still with Milwaukee when the window opens.
Historical precedent and new variables
Executives pointed to past superstar moves—such as Kawhi Leonard’s exit from San Antonio and Anthony Davis’ departure from New Orleans—as road maps for how Antetokounmpo’s situation could unfold. However, possible changes to the NBA’s draft lottery system may make teams more cautious about surrendering future first-round picks, potentially complicating trade negotiations.
“If someone can get Giannis, they might win the offseason,” another Eastern Conference executive said.
Source: Hoops Wire
