The 2025-26 NBA season has not gone to plan for the Milwaukee Bucks thus far, which has led to rumors speculating whether star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could potentially be moved in what would be a blockbuster trade. On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania added fuel to this fire in a report about Antetokounmpo’s thoughts on his future with the team.
Antetokounmpo has been no stranger to being involved in trade rumors over the course of his tenure in Milwaukee. Many believed that the 2024-25 season could possibly spell the end of his time with the Bucks following a third-straight first-round exit in the postseason.
The two-time MVP previously explored a potential trade to the New York Knicks prior to the start of the 2025-26 season. Due to the team’s poor start this year, it appears as if Antetokounmpo seems to again be doubting whether he should stay in Milwaukee.
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According to Charania, Antetokounmpo has begun having conversations with his agent, Alex Saratsis, about his future and whether the Bucks are the best fit for him. These talks are reportedly expected to go on over the course of the next few weeks before Antetokounmpo’s camp comes to a decision on a resolution.
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While this report from Charania is rather vague, it is quite easy to see that this may mean Antetokounmpo could already be planning a potential exit strategy from the Bucks.
If Antetokounmpo does ultimately request a trade formally, there would likely be no shortage of suitors given how great he has been both this season and over the course of his career.
Despite the lack of team results thus far this year, Antetokounmpo has taken his play to new heights individually. In particular, the nine-time All-Star is shooting a career-high 63.9 percent from the field while maintaining an incredibly high usage rate.
The Bucks organization has successfully convinced Antetokounmpo that Milwaukee is the best long-term fit for him in the past when questions surrounded his future.
Famously, the organization decided to go all in during the 2020-21 season by adding Jrue Holiday, who ended up being the missing piece needed to help Antetokounmpo win his first NBA title and subsequently help him come to the decision to stay with the Bucks.
On paper, it sure seems like Milwaukee may have its hands full to do so this time around, given the lack of high-end talent surrounding Antetokounmpo this year compared to past seasons.
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