Giannis Antetokounmpo Signals Openness to Trade as Bucks Begin Exploring Offers

Giannis Antetokounmpo is making it clear he wants out of the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. As the June 23 trade deadline approaches, the Bucks are actively listening to offers for the two-time MVP, who has been unhappy in Milwaukee for months. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the team is “officially open for business” on all trade calls and is preparing to explore multiple options.

The Bucks have made several blockbuster moves to surround Antetokounmpo with star power. In 2020, they acquired Jrue Holiday in a deal that sent Eric Bledsoe and three first-round picks to the New Orleans Pelicans. In 2023, they traded Donte DiVincenzo and Grayson Allen to the Portland Trail Blazers for Damian Lillard. Last summer, they added Myles Turner in a sign-and-trade with the Indiana Pacers. Despite those moves, Milwaukee failed to return to the Finals.

“Between now and June 23rd, those conversations are going to start picking up and escalating,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Giannis has believed for a period of months now that it's time for both sides to move on.”

Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors have all shown interest in Antetokounmpo. The Wolves and Heat had the most extensive discussions at the trade deadline, but no deal was finalized. The Timberwolves, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, could offer a strong young core in return. The Heat, with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, could provide a ready-made contender.

Antetokounmpo is coming off a season in which he averaged 22.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He is under contract through the 2024-25 season and will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in October. That figure represents a massive commitment for any team considering a trade.

The Bucks, meanwhile, could receive a significant return for Antetokounmpo. Holiday and Lillard’s contracts are expiring in 2024, but Turner’s deal is still in effect. His contract is a four-year, $115 million deal that includes $26 million in guaranteed money for the 2024-25 season.

As June approaches, the Bucks will weigh their options carefully. With so many teams interested, the coming weeks could determine the next chapter in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career. The June 23 trade deadline will be the final opportunity for any blockbuster movement.