With the NBA’s 2026 draft order now determined after Sunday’s lottery, the Milwaukee Bucks are now listening for trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
The NBA draft combine begins on Monday, an ideal stage for the Bucks to begin speaking with teams about the parameters of a Antetokoumpo deal.
Milwaukee team co-owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters at the introductory press conference for new head coach Taylor Jenkins that the “natural” time to get a trade done would be before the NBA Draft, which begins June 23. That gives the Bucks approximately six weeks to work out the best offer.
“Before the draft is a natural time, right?” Haslam said. “Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, then we ought to get a lot of assets.”
However, the Bucks owner acknowledged that Antetokoumpo could be with the team next season and that the relationship with the two-time MVP is “very positive,” which could result in signing the 13-year veteran to a contract extension.
The assets that Milwaukee is seeking in exchange for their star would be a young star-caliber player and several draft picks, according to Charania. That is consistent with the asking price that the Bucks sought for Antetokounmpo before February’s NBA trade deadline.
Among the teams reportedly showing interest in Antetokounmpo during the season were the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, each of whom were in the playoffs this season and could pursue adding him as a crucial final piece if they fall short of a championship.
Teams with lottery draft picks that could also pursue the Bucks star are the Atlanta Hawks (No. 8), Golden State Warriors (No. 11) and the Miami Heat (No. 13). Antetokounmpo has previously alluded to playing in Miami when trade rumors and the possibility of remaining in Milwaukee have been discussed.
The Bucks have the No. 10 selection in this year’s draft, providing an opportunity to add a replacement for Antetokounmpo or a potential impact player to play alongside him.
While Antetokounmpo does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, which includes one more year and a player option for 2027-28, his willingness to play for certain teams in certain cities will surely determine the likelihood of a trade.
Antetokounmpo, 31, was limited to 31 games this season due to a strained right calf, in addition to a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise. He averaged 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game while shooting 33% on 3-pointers. The Bucks finished 32-50, 11 games behind the No. 10 seed for play-in consideration, and head coach Doc Rivers stepped down after the season concluded.
