The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo could reach a resolution on the star forward’s contract situation this summer, according to Zach Lowe. Speaking on The Zach Lowe Show podcast, Lowe said the most likely outcome will come once Giannis has a clear yes or no on the extension presented this offseason.
Lowe added that while a summer resolution is expected, he is not ruling out the possibility of an in-season trade if the Bucks continue to struggle in the standings. Milwaukee currently holds a 15-20 record, sitting 10.5 games behind first-place Detroit in the Eastern Conference.
Giannis, 31, is in the first year of a three-year, $175 million deal with a player option in the final year. He is averaging 29.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 63.7% from the field in 28.8 minutes over 21 games this season.
The Bucks have relied heavily on Giannis’ production, with Kevin Porter Jr. contributing 18.3 points and 7.6 assists per game and Ryan Rollins adding 17.4 points per contest. Despite the support, Milwaukee’s recent struggles have fueled speculation about Giannis’ future.
Milwaukee’s supporting cast includes Bobby Portis (13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds per game) and Kyle Kuzma (13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds per game). Myles Turner provides rim protection with 1.6 blocks per game while averaging 12.3 points. However, the team’s 113.3 points per game are overshadowed by allowing 116.0 points per contest, highlighting defensive issues.
Lowe also noted that while Giannis is the centerpiece, the Bucks could explore trades if progress in the standings does not materialize. This aligns with the team sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, outside the current playoff picture.
The Bucks are balancing the urgency of competing now with the long-term implications of keeping or moving a two-time MVP. Giannis’ decision this summer could shape Milwaukee’s strategy for the next three years and define their window to contend in the East.
With the All-Star break approaching, fans and analysts will closely monitor any signals from the franchise or the superstar regarding extension discussions. Giannis’ choice will have ripple effects across the NBA, potentially influencing trades and free-agent movement league-wide.
