Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks split feels more likely than ever this summer

Giannis Antetokounmpo says he will never ask out of Milwaukee. Around the NBA, very few people believe that means he will finish his prime there.

NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin reports that the most likely outcome is an Antetokounmpo-Bucks breakup this offseason, not at the trade deadline. The key moment will be Milwaukee’s expected extension offer.

If Antetokounmpo does not sign it, rival executives view that as a trade request without the public drama.

As Helin put it, the Bucks would then face a simple choice: Move him or risk losing him for nothing in the summer of 2027, when teams like the Clippers and Heat could have cap space ready.

It is possible Antetokounmpo uses extension leverage the way he did in the past, pushing Milwaukee to upgrade the roster the way it once did with Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. But this time, the sense is that it feels different.

Milwaukee sits 11th in the East and has won just one playoff series since the 2021 title. If the season ended today, the Bucks would not even make the play-in.

Giannis is still Giannis. Two-time MVP. Finals MVP. Defensive Player of the Year. Ten-time All-Star. He is earning $54.1 million this season and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28.

If he wants another championship run, most league insiders believe it will not come in Milwaukee. Teams including the Knicks, Heat, Warriors, Lakers, Nets and Hawks are already circling.