Speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is once again at a fever pitch, with the two-time MVP reportedly “weighing his options.” The uncertainty, which has been an ongoing saga for the past few seasons, has intensified following a recent Milwaukee roster move and comments from the star himself. At the core of the issue is a single question that Antetokounmpo is allegedly asking: “Can I win another championship with this roster?” His commitment to the Bucks, the only team he’s ever played for, appears to be contingent on the team’s ability to consistently contend for a title.1
This latest round of speculation was reignited by a report from ESPN insider Shams Charania, who stated that “nothing is set in stone” regarding Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee.2 Charania’s report suggests that Antetokounmpo has been engaged in “very real conversations” with his inner circle and the Bucks organization since mid-May, following the team’s early playoff exit.3 The Bucks’ front office, for its part, has attempted to show its commitment to winning by making a bold offseason move: waiving the injured Damian Lillard to acquire center Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers.4
However, the move to waive Lillard, a player Antetokounmpo reportedly played a role in recruiting, has added another layer of complexity.5 While the acquisition of Turner is seen as a way to improve the team’s defensive and frontcourt capabilities, it also signals a significant change in the roster’s composition. For Antetokounmpo, this change, along with the team’s championship prospects, is the central issue as he evaluates his next steps.6
A Decision with Global Impact
Antetokounmpo’s decision is one of the most talked-about topics in the NBA, and for good reason.7 A player of his caliber, at the peak of his career, becoming available via trade would immediately reshape the entire league’s landscape. Teams across the NBA, from the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks, are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.8 They’re not just waiting to see if he’ll request a trade; they’re actively preparing for that possibility, evaluating their own assets and draft picks to construct a potential trade package.
The New York Knicks, for example, are believed to be “star hunting” and are reportedly monitoring Antetokounmpo’s situation “very closely.”9 The idea of pairing him with All-Star guard Jalen Brunson is an enticing prospect for a franchise that made a deep playoff run last season. Other teams, like the Hawks, are seen as having the assets to make a competitive offer without completely gutting their roster.10
The Hurdles of a Potential Trade
While the allure of Antetokounmpo on a new team is high, the logistics of a trade are far from simple. A trade at this point in the offseason, with training camp just weeks away, would be “woefully impractical,” according to some analysts.11 Many teams have already made significant offseason moves, including signing free agents who are currently ineligible to be traded.12 Any team looking to acquire Antetokounmpo would need to be able to match his massive salary and have the necessary draft capital to entice the Bucks, who would demand a historic return.
Furthermore, Antetokounmpo’s current contract structure adds another wrinkle.13 He is under contract for the upcoming season, with a player option for the 2026-27 season.14 This gives him considerable leverage, as any team trading for him would want to be sure he’s willing to stay long-term. His comments on his future have been non-committal, offering a simple “Probably.15 We’ll see.” when asked if he plans to stay in Milwaukee. This ambiguity is what’s keeping the rumors alive and the league on edge.
The Bucks’ Dilemma
For the Bucks, the situation is a delicate balancing act. They’re doing everything in their power to convince their franchise cornerstone that Milwaukee is the best place for him to win.16 They’ve made a high-stakes roster move by acquiring Turner and are operating with a “win-now” mindset.17 However, the team’s previous moves, including the lack of first-round draft picks until 2031 and the waiving of Lillard, have also put them in a precarious position. The clock is ticking for the Bucks to prove to Antetokounmpo that they can build a championship-caliber team around him.
Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, seems to be focusing on the upcoming season with the Greek national team for EuroBasket 2025.18 This allows him to step away from the daily churn of NBA rumors and focus on basketball. However, the questions about his future won’t disappear until he makes a firm commitment, one way or the other. For now, the NBA waits with bated breath, watching to see what the two-time MVP will do next.
This video features NBA insider Shams Charania providing an update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks, which is relevant to the topic of his shifting focus amid potential plans to leave.
