The Milwaukee Bucks are holding out hope that Giannis Antetokounmpo will not request a trade following the team’s third straight first-round playoff exit, according to Marc Stein.
League sources told Stein that the franchise believes the two-time MVP may still commit to Milwaukee despite growing speculation around the league.
Antetokounmpo, 30, has not made a formal trade request and is scheduled to meet with team executives later this week, as first reported by Chris Haynes.
The conversation will mark the first face-to-face between the Bucks’ front office and their All-NBA forward since the team’s postseason loss to the Indiana Pacers.
General manager Jon Horst contacted Antetokounmpo on Saturday to arrange the meeting, which will take place in Milwaukee.
Haynes noted that the discussion is expected to focus on the organization’s competitive direction and Antetokounmpo’s expectations for the roster.
Milwaukee ended the 2024–25 season with a 48–34 record and the fifth seed in the East, but was eliminated in six games by Indiana.
The Bucks were without Damian Lillard, who suffered a torn Achilles and is unlikely to return before late next season.
Khris Middleton was traded to Washington in February in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, significantly altering the veteran core.
The franchise also faces major offseason decisions, including the futures of Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis.
Antetokounmpo is entering the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension, with a player option for 2027–28.
He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting a career-best 60.1% from the field across 67 games this season.
Shams Charania recently reported that Antetokounmpo is more open than ever before to evaluating his future in Milwaukee.
Multiple teams are monitoring the situation closely, though no serious trade proposals have surfaced at this stage.
The upcoming meeting is expected to shape how the Bucks navigate the offseason and whether they can maintain a contending roster around their franchise centerpiece.
