NBA Market: Latest News on the Future of Giannis Antetokounmpo

NBA Market: Tonight, the NBA Draft 2025 lottery takes place, and there will likely be 29 general managers asking Jonathan Randall Horst, the GM of the Milwaukee Bucks, about Giannis Antetokounmpo. For the first time in his career, the Greek has hinted (info from Charania on ESPN) that he could leave this summer. Not a confirmation, but just in case, everything is sure to start moving.

Over the years, various teams have shown interest in Antetokounmpo's situation as part of the usual procedure, but they are expected to step up their efforts during the combine week. However, any conversation about the future of the 2021 NBA champion starts with his own perception of what he wants for the remainder of his career and if there is any franchise outside Milwaukee that makes sense for him.

The Bucks and Antetokounmpo's representatives, Giorgios Panou and Alex Saratsis, are scheduled to meet during the postseason to discuss his future. From the draft lottery through the draft night in June, Antetokounmpo's name will be under internal discussion in all franchises, given the impact that a potential trade would have on the league's competitive balance.

Giannis is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists with a 60% field goal accuracy in 67 games. It was the second consecutive season in which he achieved at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists with a 60% efficiency, an unprecedented feat in NBA history. In the playoffs, he elevated his performance even more, with averages of 33.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists against the Indiana Pacers, although Milwaukee lost in five games.

Since the 2018-19 season, the Bucks have the best winning percentage in the league (.663), but have only won one playoff series since the 2021 title. Antetokounmpo has reiterated several times that his ambition is to win multiple championships. In a recent appearance with his brother Thanasis on the "Thanalysis Show" podcast, he stated that not achieving a second ring would be a personal disappointment, despite all the praise and accolades he has already received in his career.

At 30 years old, Antetokounmpo was drafted by Milwaukee in 2013 and has played all 12 of his seasons with the franchise, accumulating an extensive list of achievements including NBA Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player award, and nine All-Star appearances. He has signed max contracts twice, in 2020 and 2023, and is under contract with the Bucks until the 2026-27 season, with a player option of 62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.

However, this summer could mark a turning point in his career in Milwaukee. Despite making nine consecutive playoffs and executing two major trades for starting point guards in recent years, the Bucks have seen their resources diminish. Nonetheless, there is a belief within the organization that there is more room to maneuver than in previous seasons, thanks to available exceptions in free agency and a draft pick that can be used in a trade.

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