Giannis' Bucks Future Discussed by Edens Amid NBA Rumors, 'He Will Be Extended or He'll Be Traded'
Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens provided some insight Friday into superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the franchise.
Speaking to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Edens suggested that Giannis will either be traded or extended during the offseason since the 2026-27 campaign is the final year of his contract before a player option in 2027-28.
"Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]," Edens said. "So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he'll be traded.
"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."
Antetokounmpo was the subject of heavy trade rumors during the offseason and leading up to the trade deadline, but the Bucks ultimately held onto him.
Prior to the trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania named the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and New York Knicks as "serious suitors" for Antetokounmpo's services.
It was also reported by Charania that the Knicks were the one team Giannis expressed a potential interest in getting traded to last offseason, setting off a "multi-week process" of trade discussions between the two sides.
Nothing came of it, though, as the Bucks reportedly didn't feel the Knicks' offer was strong enough, and the Knicks didn't think the Bucks actually wanted to move on from Antetokounmpo.
As a result, the Bucks kept Giannis on the roster and added some pieces around him, including their prized free-agent signing in former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.
Despite that, the Bucks have struggled throughout the season, as they are 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 28-41 record, putting them 7.5 games out of a play-in spot.
A big reason for the team's shortcomings is the fact that Giannis has been limited to 36 games due to various injuries.
While Edens' comments suggest an offseason trade of Antetokounmpo is a real possibility, some league sources are reportedly skeptical due to the Bucks' unique ownership structure.
Edens is the Bucks' controlling owner until 2028, at which point the role will shift to another of the team's multiple co-owners, and it will continue to rotate thereafter.
A source with knowledge of the Bucks' operations explained to Shelburne why that is an issue for teams that are potentially looking to make a big trade with them.
"This has nothing to do with Giannis and whether he asks out," the source said. "It's about who's making the decision on whether to trade Giannis, and I don't think anyone knows that. I deal with them all the time and honestly it depends on the day. They're not even close to being ready to make a decision like that."
If the Bucks do decide to trade Giannis, it is a move they have to get right since it could either set them up for success or make them a cellar dweller for years to come.
As a 10-time All-Star, two-time NBA MVP, one-time NBA champion and one-time NBA Finals MVP, the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo is one of the greatest players in league history, and he figures to command a huge package of players and picks if and when a trade happens.
Because of that, the Milwaukee front office has to be aligned, or else it could miss out on a golden opportunity to build for the future.
