Antetokounmpo’s three-year, $175 million contract will end in the 2026-2027 season.
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s departure from the Milwaukee Bucks is making headlines since ESPN Insider Shams Charania’s report which claimed that “Greek Freak” is open to exploring the possibility of leaving the franchise this summer. During all the possibilities, Lakers are the frontrunners according to the NBA experts.
Shams Charania was speaking on the Up and Adams show with host Kay Adams about Antetokounmpo’s chances of joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic at the Lakers. There is clear possibility that Giannis will not continue with the Bucks after a shocking 4-1 loss to the Pacers in the NBA playoffs first-round. The 30-year-old wants to explore new team where he can eye more glories.
Also Read: Giannis Antetokounmpo Open-Minded About Leaving Bucks for the First Time in His Career
Shams Charania Opens Up on Giannis to LA Rumors With Kay Adams
“I think every team in the NBA is gonna do their due diligence on Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Shams Charania said earlier and it’s true. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Houston Rockets all are looking to acquire the 2021 NBA Finals MVP. According to Evan Sidrey, the Spurs also have a golden asset with the No. 2 pick to potentially offer the Bucks in a package for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Charania went on the popular sports show Up and Adams and shares his thoughts on Giannis situation with host Kay Adams.
“[Antetokoumpo] said it on his brother’s podcast last, last month, ‘If I can’t win another championship, I can’t go to sleep at night after I’m retired.’ And so everyone understands he wants to find the best fit long term. He’s been saying for years, the goal is to find that option. If it’s not going to be in Milwaukee. Well, now we’re here,” Charania replied to Adams.
Later, Kay Adams, who is based out of Los Angeles, brought the Lakers rumour in her question and she was eager to know about any possibility of Giannis heading to Hollywood this summer. “All I’m hearing is ‘Giannis to LA.’ Giannis, LeBron, Luka. Is [Antetokoumpo] to the Lakers possible?” Adams asked Charania.
“Even Giannis doesn’t know where he wants to go right now,” the NBA insider said. “I don’t think that would be something that I would be putting all my money on if I were you, Kay, but, do what you got to do.”
Will the 2025 offseason be known as the summer of Giannis?
To help understand what could be at stake, we tiered 29 teams on where they stand if Giannis is open to being traded.https://t.co/PTVG2YbxFJ
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 12, 2025
Charania’s ESPN colleague Bobby Marks shared that the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Detroit Piston, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers appearing to have more assets to offer to the Bucks in a trade than the Lakers would. Lakers are behind in the race to acquire Giannis this summer.
Also Read: Top Destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Next Chapter If He Decides to Leave Milwaukee
Antetokounmpo is still under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. He signed a three-year, $175 million contract which will end in the 2026-2027 season, with a player option for the 2027-2028 season.
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images