The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been caught in an prolonged back-and-forth all season, and issues are beginning to come to a head. Milwaukee held onto its two-time MVP by a tough common season and let the February commerce deadline move with out making a transfer, however the entrance workplace is now brazenly taking calls.
With the 2026 NBA Draft a couple of month out, league insiders consider a blockbuster commerce might occur earlier than draft night time because the Bucks look to get most worth in return.
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The Miami Heat have been one of essentially the most regularly talked about locations for Antetokounmpo and a number of other different franchises have been protecting tabs on the state of affairs.
The Washington Wizards have not been a giant half of the dialog just lately, however ESPN’s Marc J. Spears says that may be price revisiting. According to Spears, Washington is getting ready to be aggressive if the chance presents itself.
“I basically was told, by a very good source close to that Washington situation, that they’re going to explore their options,” Spears stated throughout an appearance on 95.7 The Game. “I think that with some of the young talent that they have, why not. The one thing I wonder with Giannis is how much power does he have in where they trade him.”
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Bucks Would Want Clarity on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future
An enormous half of what’s driving all that is the contract state of affairs. Controlling proprietor Wes Edens has been direct about the place the group stands. Milwaukee is not snug heading into subsequent season with a participant of Giannis’ caliber sitting on the ultimate assured yr of his deal with none dedication past it.
Antetokounmpo turns into eligible for a projected four-year $275 million extension on October 1, and if he conveys to GM Jon Horst that he will not signal it, that will successfully function a commerce request.
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Spears stored it easy about how the Bucks will deal with issues from right here.
“I do think, at this point, with Giannis, the Bucks are gonna do what’s best for them, not what’s best for Giannis,” he added. “I’m actually curious to see if the Bucks can get one thing executed earlier than the draft, ‘trigger in the event that they’re gonna transfer on, to me, now could be the time. This is one of the perfect drafts in years, in all probability nearly as good, possibly higher than that Cade Cunningham draft.”
Washington already proved it is prepared to make daring strikes after bringing in Anthony Davis and Trae Young final season. Injuries restricted each gamers for lengthy stretches and made it laborious to get an actual learn on the roster, however optimism across the group heading into subsequent yr stays real.
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The Wizards additionally landed the No. 1 general choose within the NBA Draft Lottery, which supplies the franchise an actual shot at rushing up their rebuild.
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This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on May 25, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.