The Milwaukee Bucks are open to trade offers for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo following the 2026 NBA Draft lottery. With only one year left on his contract, several teams are expected to pursue him.
Key points
Milwaukee Bucks are listening to trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis has one year left on his contract with a player option for 2027-28
Numerous teams are expected to pursue Giannis in trade talks
The Bucks previously fielded interest in Giannis during the trade deadline
The continuing saga between the franchise and its long-standing superstar reached its latest potential breaking point on Monday, May 11 when ESPN reported the Bucks are seeking trade offers for Antetokounmpo in the aftermath of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.
Numerous teams are expected to make offers for the two-time MVP, who will enter next season essentially on an expiring contract with one year left on his current agreement and a player option for the 2027-28 season. He'll likely need to be signed to a new max contract extension, which gives Antetokounmpo some control over his destination. Some teams will be the same as at the NBA trade deadline in February, when the Bucks also reportedly fielded interest in Antetokounmpo without making a deal.
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
Q&A
Which NBA teams are likely to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Numerous teams are expected to make offers for Giannis, similar to those at the NBA trade deadline in February.
What is the current contract situation for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Giannis has one year left on his current contract and a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Why are the Milwaukee Bucks considering trading Giannis Antetokounmpo?
The Bucks are seeking trade offers for Giannis as they navigate a potential breaking point in their relationship with the superstar.
What are the implications of Giannis being on an expiring contract?
Being on an expiring contract gives Giannis some control over his destination, as he will likely need a new max contract extension.
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See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
Shoes worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
The Nike Lebron XXIII shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
Shoes worn by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
The shoes of Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
1 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
1 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
2 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
3 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
4 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
Shoes worn by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
5 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The Nike Lebron XXIII shoes worn by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Houston Rockets in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
6 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
Shoes worn by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 18, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
7 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
8 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
9 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks are seen during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
Since then, the relationship between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks has become increasingly acrimonious. The team and its star were at odds over his availability at the end of the season when Antetokounmpo was shut down for a knee injury. The dispute, with Antetokounmpo wanting to play, led to a league investigation related to the NBA's player participation policy.
"Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we'll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he's going to play somewhere else," Haslam told reporters on May 6. "And [general manager] Jon [Horst] and Taylor, along with [co-owner] Wes [Edens] and myself, will make that call, and we understand the gravity of that call."
Here's a breakdown of some potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo should the Bucks decide to trade him in the coming weeks:
The Celtics' first-round loss to the 76ers, combined with some confusing postseason comments from Jaylen Brown, have sparked speculation that the Celtics could look to make a big move this offseason for Antetokounmpo involving Brown.
This is TBD with the Cavaliers still in the playoffs. But an unceremonious loss to the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland's former coach (J.B. Bickerstaff) might prompt personnel changes. Evan Mobley fits the mold for the type of player the Bucks will want in return for Antetokounmpo.
The Warriors need a pivot for the closing chapter of Steph Curry's legendary career with Golden State and Antetokounmpo would be the ultimate partner for his final years. It's unclear, however, if they have the assets to get it done since Milwaukee reportedly wants a young foundational piece in return.
The Rockets made a big move last offseason to acquire Kevin Durant and it didn't work as well as the franchise hoped for after this year's first-round playoff exit. If they choose to make another splashy trade for Antetokounmpo, Houston has promising players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson who should be appealing to Milwaukee.
The Lakers have historically been known for poaching superstars from other teams and Antetokounmpo would fit the bill, particularly if LeBron James and the franchise part ways in some form this offseason. Would a deal with Austin Reaves and draft picks as the centerpiece be enough, though?
If the Timberwolves can't pull out their Western Conference semifinals series against the San Antonio Spurs, might they make another run at Antetokounmpo after reportedly being suitors at the trade deadline? An Antetokounmpo-Anthony Edwards pairing would be dynamic and the Timberwolves have some interesting contracts to deal (Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert).
The Knicks have been linked as a potential destination for Antetokounmpo for years. If they fall short of an NBA title this year, there will be pressure again to make a move for the Bucks star. But a trade package centered around Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby might not be appealing to Milwaukee.
The Magic could reset their core after a disappointing regular season by trading Paolo Banchero for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Banchero, despite his inconsistencies, has already made the NBA All-Star Game once and would give the Bucks a young piece to build around after a possible Antetokounmpo trade.
The Trail Blazers could be looking to make a splash under new owner Tom Dundon, and they have some intriguing young assets to trade as well as former Antetokounmpo teammates Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo's desire to play for a title contender could complicate this potential option.
The franchise that once traded for the expiring contract of Kawhi Leonard could offer up Scottie Barnes in a potential deal for Antetokounmpo after he took another step forward during the Raptors' first-round exit against the Cavaliers.
