Another offseason, another period of trade rumors regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. After an underwhelming 2025-26 NBA season, questions about Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks resurfaced. Over the past few seasons, the Greek Freak has been subject to rumors regarding his long-term plans to stay in Milwaukee.
It has been a confusing mix of whether he’ll stay or not. Some reports claim that he will force his way out of Wisconsin and request a trade in the summer. Other reports indicate that he will stay and finish his three-year, $175.37 million contract extension with the Bucks.
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On Thursday, LA Times’ Brad Turner addressed what’s happening between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo.
“In speaking to someone that I know that works there, they’ll say stuff like, ‘Giannis wants to stay in Milwaukee, Giannis wants to leave Milwaukee,’” Turner said.
“The last thing I recall hearing was the owner saying, either they’re going to sign him to an extension before a certain date. If not, they will make sure they move him somewhere else.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo does not have a no-trade clause, but a star of his caliber can still have a certain control over where he can play next.
Going back to what Turner said, the Bucks star can either sign a new extension with the Bucks or not. He is eligible to sign a new extension on October 1, which could be worth up to $275 million over four years, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
“Starting on 10/1, Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign a four-year $275M extension in Milwaukee,” Marks posted. “If he was traded in the offseason, Giannis would need to wait 6 months from the date traded to sign for the maximum allowed.”
The Bucks are $37 million below the second apron. However, signing Antetkounmpo to an extension could restrict them from getting him enough help to contend. That could lead to his supporting cast being traded.
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Miami Heat’s Potential Trade Package for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Apr 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Miami Heat needs to send out at least $46.5 million in salary in a potential trade to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat has to get close to Antetokounmpo’s $58.4 million salary next season.
For them to do that, the team needs to form a package with several role players.
However, that could be problematic for the Heat, and they could become a top-heavy team.