Uncertainty continues to hover over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term status with the Milwaukee Bucks as the franchise enters a pivotal offseason.
Speaking Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show, NBA insider Shams Charania stated, “A lot probably hinges on Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future,” and added that the timeline for any decision will likely extend into the late summer.
Charania noted that Antetokounmpo’s loyalty to Milwaukee remains intact, but the franchise’s ability to stay competitive is central to the star forward’s thinking.
“He of course wants to win in Milwaukee,” Charania said. “His biggest issue has been how does this team stay competitive and compete in the Eastern Conference.”
The Bucks’ early exit in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs marked the third straight year the team failed to advance past the opening round.
With Damian Lillard expected to miss significant time next season, and limited trade assets available, Charania described the organization’s options as “depleted.”
“They have one first-round pick they can trade,” he said. “They don’t have many high-value contracts.”
Milwaukee’s offseason hinges on retaining key free agents. “The free agency of Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis will be very, very important to this team,” Charania explained. “Gary Trent is another guy that I think is going to be very important.”
While other superstars like Kevin Durant could be dealt before the June 25 NBA Draft, Charania clarified that no such timeline exists for Antetokounmpo.
“His status will not be tied to the NBA draft,” he reported. “It’s much more likely that his future plays out into July and into August.”
Charania revealed that the two-time MVP is currently “actively exploring other options,” including watching film of other rosters to evaluate potential fits.
Still, there is no indication that the 30-year-old has requested a trade.
“There’s a difference between being open-minded… and asking for a trade,” Charania said. “He’s in the process of figuring out exactly what he wants to do.”
The Bucks, who finished 48–34 this season and won the NBA Cup in December, are reportedly willing to take a transitional approach to 2025–26.
Charania added that the team has pitched Antetokounmpo on an expanded offensive role next year: “One thing that they have pitched him on also is having the ball in his hands a lot more next season.”
Meanwhile, an anonymous NBA executive told NJ Advance Media‘s Adam Zagoria, “Giannis isn’t going anywhere this summer.”
The same executive dismissed the possibility of the Knicks acquiring Antetokounmpo, citing a lack of sufficient trade assets.
The All-NBA forward remains under contract through 2027, with a player option for the 2027–28 season.
He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season on 60.1% shooting.
