Bucks say Giannis Antetokounmpo will extend or be traded

Mar 20, 2026 1:48 PM

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is approaching a pivotal moment, with co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam unified in their approach.

Once he becomes eligible for an extension on October 1, the franchise plans to either secure him long-term or explore a trade involving their superstar.

“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract],” said Edens. “So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he’ll be traded.”

Edens made it clear that letting a player of Antetokounmpo’s stature simply play out the final year of his contract without resolution isn’t an option the organization is willing to consider.

“The likelihood you’ll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can’t afford that. It’s not consistent with what’s good for the organization. That’s not a Giannis issue. That’s any player that’s in their last year.”

With Antetokounmpo keeping his options open, rival teams are already preparing for a potential pursuit in 2027 free agency by maintaining financial flexibility.

Still, there’s league-wide uncertainty about whether Milwaukee would move him before that point.

“It’s not an accident that teams like the Lakers, Clippers, Heat and Warriors all have lined up to have cap space in 2027 when Giannis can be a free agent,” one NBA executive told ESPN. “A player like Giannis can tilt the balance of power in the league for years to come.

“What nobody knows yet is whether they’ll really trade him before he gets to free agency and how they’re making that decision.”