Giannis Antetokounmpo Weighs Future With Bucks Ahead of August–September Decision
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Milwaukee, WI — Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is still deciding whether to request a trade or sign another extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to multiple league sources.
Decision Timeline
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne recently reported that the forward is expected to settle on his plans in August or September 2025. Earlier this week, Shams Charania of The Athletic confirmed that Antetokounmpo is “weighing his options.”
Teams Monitoring the Situation
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic noted that the New York Knicks are among the franchises closely tracking developments. The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors are also believed to be watching, though league executives still expect Antetokounmpo to open the 2025-26 season in Milwaukee.
Contract Status
The 30-year-old star is under contract for $54.1 million in 2025-26 and $58.5 million in 2026-27, with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.
Bucks’ Roster Moves
The Bucks have made several high-profile trades in recent years to keep their franchise centerpiece:
- Jrue Holiday was acquired after early playoff exits in 2019 and 2020 and helped deliver the 2021 championship.
- Damian Lillard arrived following consecutive first-round eliminations in 2023 and 2024 but was later waived and stretched, leaving roughly $20 million per year in dead money for five seasons starting in 2025-26.
- After a third straight first-round exit in 2025, Milwaukee traded for Myles Turner to replace Brook Lopez and added Cole Anthony and Gary Harris for depth.
Even with those changes, the current core—Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and Kyle Kuzma among them—has raised questions about the team’s ability to contend for another title in the near term.
Potential Trade Scenarios
New York Knicks: Any talks could begin with OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, plus Miles McBride and multiple first-round picks. Antetokounmpo would likely want to join a roster that still includes Jalen Brunson and at least two of Anunoby, Bridges or Karl-Anthony Towns.
Los Angeles Lakers: Salary matching is difficult; LeBron James has a no-trade clause, and dismantling the roster around Luka Doncic would likely start with Austin Reaves.
Imagem: Vivek Jacob via basketballinsiders.org
Miami Heat: A theoretical package could center on Kelel Ware, Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Kasparas Jakucionis and future picks, positioning Antetokounmpo alongside Tyler Herro, Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo.
Golden State Warriors: Matching Antetokounmpo’s salary without gutting the roster remains a major obstacle.
San Antonio Spurs (not yet linked by reports): A combination featuring Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and additional young pieces such as Jeremy Sochan or Carter Bryant could appeal to Milwaukee and pair Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama.
For now, Antetokounmpo continues to signal his attachment to Milwaukee on social media while evaluating whether the Bucks can still deliver championships during his prime. Barring an unexpected announcement, clarity is not expected until late summer.
Source: Basketball Insiders
