Marc Stein reports that the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear to the rest of the NBA that they have no intention of trading Giannis Antetokounmpo, unless he explicitly requests it.
This message has been received across the league, with other teams recognizing that any chance to acquire Antetokounmpo would only come about if he decided to seek a new opportunity himself.
Nevertheless, several rival franchises are beginning to prepare for the possibility that the two-time MVP might one day explore a trade.
While no such indications have emerged yet, the possibility is compelling enough for some teams to start positioning themselves for a scenario in which Antetokounmpo might eventually push to move on from Milwaukee.
For now, the Bucks remain focused on surrounding Antetokounmpo and newly acquired star Damian Lillard with a competitive roster, actively exploring trade options to strengthen their championship prospects.
However, they face challenges in doing so, as they possess limited trade assets and are hindered by the financial constraints of the NBA’s second apron, which limits certain spending and trade options for high-payroll teams.
Antetokounmpo could have been eligible for free agency in 2025, but his recent three-year, $186 million extension – signed before the 2023-24 season after the Bucks acquired Lillard – ties him to Milwaukee until 2027.
This extension reflects his continued commitment to the franchise, at least for the foreseeable future, and signals the Bucks’ determination to keep their championship window open as long as possible.
Bucks Would Only Consider Trading Giannis Antetokounmpo If He Pushes For It https://t.co/pRdz48tSGD
— RealGM (@RealGM) November 10, 2024
