Report: Milwaukee Bucks open to trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
You can add another chapter to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga.
After this year’s trade deadline failed to find a new home for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, a new report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday says the team is “open for business” on trade calls for the two-time MVP.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo has repeatedly stated he likes playing in Milwaukee, but he wants to play for a franchise that is committed to being a championship contender. Cracks between the “Greek Freak” and the Bucks grew this season after the Bucks finished 32-50 to break a streak of nine straight playoff appearances.
Milwaukee has the ability to offer Antetokounmpo a four-year, $275 million contract extension in October. If he doesn’t sign, he is eligible to become a free agent after next season.
There should be clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future this summer as Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said he wants the matter settled well before October.
“We never had any problem communicating directly with Giannis — at all — and always knew where he stood,” Haslam said. “And I think he always knew where we stood. We’ve had those kind of conversations since the season was over. … So, sometime over the next six or seven weeks, we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us, or he’s going to play somewhere else. And Jon and Taylor, along with (co-owner) Wes (Edens) and myself will make that call, and we understand the gravity of that call.”
Antetokounmpo is already a franchise icon for the Bucks. The 31-year-old has spent his entire 13-year career in Milwaukee and he is the franchise’s leader in several major statistical categories, including games played, minutes played, total points, total assists and total rebounds. He also led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, winning Finals MVP.
Antetokounmpo was limited to just 36 games played last year because of injuries. However, he was still impactful when on the court, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.