Over the past 12 months, rumors were running rampant about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee, with most expecting him to be dealt at the 2026 NBA trade deadline. However, that didn't come to fruition, with the two-time MVP stating his loyalty to the team and making it known that he wants to remain with the Bucks, the team that drafted him way back in 2015.
Many believed that this would be the end of the speculation, but given Milwaukee's struggles since then, it appears as though we once again may be dealing with plenty of drama this off-season. That's led to owner Wes Edens addressing the looming situation, and he's named his ultimatum, revealing that given it's Giannis' last year under contract, he'll either be signing an extension or he'll be traded by the team.
“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]. So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he'll be traded. The likelihood you'll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can't afford that. It's not consistent with what's good for the organization. That's not a Giannis issue. That's any player that's in their last year.”
As Edens states, this isn't solely a Giannis issue, as the Bucks can't afford to let a player walk into free agency, but as of right now, it gives us a timeline for Giannis' future in Milwaukee.
Ultimately, it's time for these two sides to part ways, and if the Bucks can get a haul for No. 34, it's safe to assume that there's a good deal to be had for both the player and the team moving forward.
