Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is uncertain as the franchise approaches the 2026 offseason.
Antetokounmpo never issued a public trade request, but inside reports made it very clear that there’s a fractured relationship between the two-time league MVP and the team that drafted him in 2013.
Jimmy Haslam, co-owner of the Bucks, addressed the situation when speaking to reporters on Wednesday. The franchise leader said the organization hopes to make a decision on Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA draft rolls around in late June.
“I just think before the draft is a natural time,” Haslam said. “If Giannis does play somewhere else, then we oughta get a lot of assets. … If he’s here, then you build the team differently.”
Haslam went on to push back against the reported fracture between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, saying their discussions have been “positive.”
“It’s a big [decision], and you’ve got to get it right,” Haslam added. “We didn’t hold back with Taylor [Jenkins]. We just said, ‘Listen, [Antetokounmpo] may or may not be with us.'”
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Haslam shared a similar message when addressing the public at new head coach Taylor Jenkins’ introductory press conference on Wednesday.
“Giannis brought Milwaukee its second championship — first in 50 years. He’s a phenomenal player, he’s a phenomenal person,” Haslam said. “He’s arguably one of the best basketball players in the world. We will do what’s best for Giannis and what’s best for the organization.
“We don’t know whether Giannis will stay will us or not, but we will work through that with Giannis in the coming weeks.”
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Antetokounmpo appeared in 36 games for the Bucks in 2025-26, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.
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