The NBA regular season is still ongoing, but Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is already facing trade rumors. This comes as the team reportedly considers sidelining him due to a left knee hyperextension.
In a Friday article, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne discussed the situation with Bucks co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam, highlighting a key storyline for the upcoming summer.
“One of two things will happen” regarding the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo?
“Giannis is entering the last year of his contract,” Edens noted. “So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he’ll be traded.”
Antetokounmpo can get a four-year, $275 million extension starting on Oct. 1. However, he might opt out of his player option next season and become an unrestricted free agent.
Edens appears to want to assure fans and analysts that the Bucks won’t let Antetokounmpo leave for nothing.
“We can’t afford to let him just play out the last year. It’s not in line with what’s best for the organization. This applies to any player in their last contract year,” Edens added.
Not so fast on closing the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo chapter
Shelburne mentioned that “all major decisions” regarding the Bucks roster need agreement among the controlling owners and third-largest shareholder, businessman Jamie Dinan. There are indications that Haslam has gained more influence recently, to the extent that another team owner negotiated directly with Haslam about a potential deal for Antetokounmpo ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.
Some executives from other teams believe the Bucks are currently unwilling to trade Antetokounmpo. However, it remains unclear if this stance will shift by the end of September.
“There’s still another move possible,” an anonymous source close to the team told Shelburne. “Offer Giannis a maximum contract extension and challenge him to say no.”
It’s worth noting that Haslam previously gave quarterback Deshaun Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract to facilitate a trade from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in March 2022. While that decision hasn’t worked out well for the Browns, it shows Haslam’s willingness to make significant moves.
In summary, for the Bucks to consider trading Antetokounmpo before October, they may require an overwhelming offer.