Giannis Antetokounmpo, agent begin talks with Bucks as future hangs in balance

Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent have begun conversations with the Bucks about his future, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

It is the clearest sign yet that the two-time MVP is evaluating whether his long-term path remains in Milwaukee.

Charania reports that Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis are meeting with the team to determine if his best fit is in Milwaukee or somewhere else. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks.

Antetokounmpo’s future has hung over the franchise since last season ended with another first-round exit and Damian Lillard’s Achilles tear. While Antetokounmpo has never wavered in his affection for the city and organization, he has also made it known that competing for titles remains his top priority.

Over the summer, he expressed “serious questions” about Milwaukee’s championship trajectory and even discussed the idea of exploring “an alternative path forward,” with interest in the Knicks if he ever asked out.

The Bucks and Knicks talked trade scenarios but nothing came close. Milwaukee instead tried to reshape the roster around him, stretching Lillard’s max deal to create space and signing Myles Turner.

Antetokounmpo came into the season planning to judge the first 25 games before making any decisions. The early returns have not been encouraging. Milwaukee has dropped eight of nine and sits at 9-13, outside the East’s top 10.

Sources told ESPN the slump has been “frustrating” for everyone involved and one source suggested “the writing is on the wall” unless the Bucks turn things around quickly.

Translation: The next few weeks may decide everything.