Latest Giannis Rumors, Timeline to Renew Talk About Bucks Future After Trade Deadline, Contract Buzz

After the trade deadline passed with Giannis Antetokounmpo remaining on the Milwaukee Bucks, the next steps for the two-time NBA MVP will have to wait until the offseason.

ESPN's Jamal Collier reported on Monday that Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will hold off on any discussions about his future until the summer.

Collier added that Antetokounmpo's "intentions" regarding a contract extension that he becomes eligible to sign in October will likely impact Milwaukee's decision-making process.

Antetokounmpo, who has one more guaranteed year remaining on his current deal and a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, can sign a four-year, $275 million extension with Milwaukee on Oct. 1.

However, per ESPN's Bobby Marks, a trade would mean Antetokounmpo has to wait six months from the day of the deal to sign a max extension with a new team.

The big question for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks for the rest of this season is will he play when his calf injury heals. There hasn't been any official diagnosis given by the team, but he said after suffering the injury on Jan. 23 that his expectation is it will be four to six weeks.

Head coach Doc Rivers told reporters on Jan. 26 that even though there is no official timeline for Antetokounmpo to return, the team has given "no thought" to shutting him down for the rest of the season.

The Bucks have won three straight games after a five game losing streak. Their 21-29 overall record ranks 12th in the Eastern Conference, but they are only 2.5 games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final spot in the play-in tournament.

Milwaukee currently has the ninth-best lottery odds in the NBA. The draft position could be a huge factor in the team's plans because the Atlanta Hawks will get to swap with either the Bucks or New Orleans Pelicans, depending on which one finishes lower in the standings.

The Bucks' pick appears to be safe since New Orleans is 14-40 entering play on Monday.

Antetokounmpo has yet to formally ask for a trade, with previous reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania stating he was "ready for a new home" prior to the trade deadline.

When nothing came of the Bucks' exploring the market, Antetokounmpo's posting on social media seemed to indicate he wasn't looking to leave.

All of this is why there is still so much confusion and discussion around Antetokounmpo. It is going to remain one of the biggest topics in the NBA until there is a resolution, one way or another, this offseason.

If the Bucks feel like they have a chance to extend Antetokounmpo, things could play out until Oct. 1 when he's eligible to sign. If he indicates a readiness to move on, teams will likely be lining up with offers early in the summer.