Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens acknowledged Friday that the franchise faces a pivotal decision regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, saying the two-time MVP will either sign a contract extension or be traded during the upcoming offseason.
Speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Edens pointed to Antetokounmpo’s contract timeline as the driving factor behind the urgency. The superstar forward is entering the final guaranteed season of his deal in 2026-27 before holding a player option for 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.
Edens emphasized the stance reflects organizational strategy rather than dissatisfaction with Antetokounmpo, noting teams rarely allow franchise players to approach free agency without clarity.
Trade speculation persists after offseason interest
Antetokounmpo has been at the center of trade speculation for months, with ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reporting that the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks emerged as serious suitors before the trade deadline.
According to reports, the Knicks were the only team Antetokounmpo showed potential interest in joining last offseason, sparking weeks of discussions between the two franchises.
Talks ultimately stalled, as Milwaukee reportedly viewed New York’s offer as insufficient while the Knicks questioned whether the Bucks were truly willing to move their franchise cornerstone.
Ownership structure clouds potential decision
Despite Edens’ comments, league sources remain skeptical that a trade is imminent, citing uncertainty tied to Milwaukee’s rotating ownership structure.
Edens serves as the Bucks’ controlling owner through 2028, after which control will rotate among multiple co-owners – a system some executives believe complicates major organizational decisions.
“This has nothing to do with Giannis and whether he asks out,” one source told ESPN. “It’s about who’s making the decision on whether to trade Giannis.”
Any move involving Antetokounmpo would represent one of the most consequential decisions in franchise history, with the potential to reshape Milwaukee’s competitive outlook for years to come.
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