With the Milwaukee Bucks facing another uncertain offseason, league agents believe Giannis Antetokounmpo holds all the leverage if he asks out.
According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, several agents polled during the NBA Draft Combine said the two-time MVP is expected to guide the Bucks toward his preferred destination should he decide to be traded.
Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade, but the 30-year-old is reportedly more open than ever to exploring his future, per Shams Charania.
The Bucks were eliminated in the first round for the third straight year, this time in six games by the Indiana Pacers.
Milwaukee finished the regular season 48–34, good for the No. 5 seed in the East, but their campaign was derailed by injuries and roster instability.
Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles and may miss most of next season, while Khris Middleton was dealt to the Wizards at the trade deadline for Kyle Kuzma.
General manager Jon Horst has arranged a meeting with Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee this week, as first reported by Chris Haynes.
That discussion is expected to center on the franchise’s long-term competitive direction and the All-NBA forward’s expectations for the roster.
Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on a career-high 60.1% shooting this season.
Despite winning the NBA Cup, Milwaukee’s trajectory has raised doubts about its status as a title contender.
Antetokounmpo is under contract through 2027, with a player option for the 2027–28 season, but his $54.1 million salary for 2025–26 limits potential trade scenarios.
Pincus listed the Spurs, Rockets, Nets, Hawks, and Thunder as the top teams positioned to make a deal should Antetokounmpo seek a move.
League rules around cap thresholds and salary-matching complicate any blockbuster trade, particularly after July 1 when hard cap restrictions reset.
Any serious deal would likely need to be completed before June’s NBA Draft, when teams hold maximum flexibility to offer valuable assets.
The Bucks reportedly continue to operate as if their franchise player is staying, but rival teams are closely monitoring the situation.
If Antetokounmpo makes his intentions known before the offseason gains momentum, Milwaukee could be forced to act swiftly to recoup value.
The upcoming meeting may prove decisive in whether the Bucks retain their cornerstone or begin the process of a dramatic rebuild.
