Bucks Seek Third First-Round Pick; Giannis Trade Timing Remains Uncertain
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The Milwaukee Bucks have informed rival teams and agents that they hope to enter the 2026 NBA Draft with as many as three first-round selections, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Adding two additional first-rounders to their current No. 10 pick would almost certainly require trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. Still, league insider Chris Haynes said on SiriusXM NBA Radio’s Deals and Dunks that Milwaukee is not treating draft night as a hard deadline.
“This could drag into free agency, this could drag on into July,” Haynes explained, adding that he still expects the two-time MVP to be moved this offseason but is less confident the deal will happen before the draft.
Possible July Scenarios
If negotiations carry into July, additional trade frameworks could emerge. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel noted that a Miami package might feature Andrew Wiggins, provided he exercises his $30.2 million player option by the June 29 deadline. A post-draft swap, however, would prevent Milwaukee from choosing its preferred prospect with the Heat’s No. 13 pick.
Haynes also reported that Boston’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo appears less urgent than previously thought; the Celtics remain involved but may have other priorities.
Around the League
Nets eye Aaron Wiggins: Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints writes that Brooklyn has interest in Thunder wing Aaron Wiggins. The Nets are positioned to absorb his $9 million 2026-27 cap hit without sending out salary if Oklahoma City looks to trim payroll.
Bucks stay aggressive: Siegel adds that Milwaukee is exploring deals beyond Antetokounmpo, with guard Ryan Rollins believed to be the lone roster player currently off-limits.
Bulls field calls on No. 4 pick: Multiple teams have contacted Chicago about moving up, but there is no indication the Bulls’ front office is seriously considering trading down.
Spurs target late first: San Antonio is interested in packaging picks Nos. 35, 42 and 44 to rise into the late first round or higher in the second. Prospects linked to the Spurs include St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor, Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson and UConn’s Alex Karaban.
The market for draft positioning—and for Antetokounmpo—remains fluid as the June 29 option deadline and the July free-agency period approach.
Source: Hoops Rumors
