Shams Says Giannis Could Still Get Traded 'Later in the Summer' After NBA Free Agency

Don't shut the door on a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this offseason quite yet.

Appearing on Thursday's episode of Get Up, ESPN's Shams Charania explained there's a scenario in which the two-time NBA MVP could get traded "later in the summer" as he continues to evaluate the state of the Milwaukee Bucks:

"A lot of observing. He's been there for 12 years, so there's going to be that equity given to the Bucks to see what they do during the draft week, free agency week. How much can they improve this team in their moves? He said it, he wants to compete for championships. Can the Bucks make those championship moves? His future, I've said it for the last few weeks, it won't be tied to the draft, it won't be tied to free agency. If there is a resolution on Giannis Antetokounmpo, it could be later in the summer."

The trade winds have been very quiet for Antetokounmpo since Charania reported on May 12 that he was "open-minded" about exploring whether his best fit is with the Bucks or another team.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on June 10 there's currently "no trade market" for the 30-year-old because he hasn't asked for a trade, nor have the Bucks looked into moving him.

Given the state of things in the Eastern Conference next season, the Bucks might actually be able to build a decent argument that they can be a top contender. Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton are likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season after both players tore their Achilles in the playoffs.

This offseason has already seen the Boston Celtics break up some of their main core by agreeing to trade Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday in separate deals.

The Bucks do have to navigate without Damian Lillard, who is recovering from his own torn Achilles, but they are reportedly looking to be aggressive in exploring their options on the free-agent and trade markets.

If the Bucks can put together a big offseason, they could easily end up being a top-four seed in the East and be in position to make a deep playoff run next season.

Antetokounmpo could be holding out to see how well that aggressiveness pays off before making any final decisions. The nine-time All-Star, who considers himself "very loyal," could also end up just staying in Milwaukee because it's the only home he has known in the NBA.