Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name is not on the market. It is, however, very much in circulation.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, several teams are monitoring Antetokounmpo’s situation in Milwaukee, including the Knicks, Heat, Warriors, Spurs and Timberwolves. None of that means a trade is imminent. But it does show how closely the league is watching the Bucks as the season unfolds.
Milwaukee’s stance, for now, is firm. The Bucks are telling teams that Antetokounmpo is not available, and league sources say that position will only change if the superstar forward asks out. That has not happened.
Still, context matters. The Bucks have exited in the first round of the playoffs three straight years, and questions about direction have lingered. Around the league, some believe continued struggles could eventually force a hard conversation.
Antetokounmpo’s future has been a topic before. Before this season, reports say he requested a trade and expressed interest in the Knicks. Nothing since has reached that level, but the interest from multiple corners remains.
Contractually, Antetokounmpo is is earning $54.1 million this season and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He does not have a no-trade clause. When healthy, he continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting nearly 64 percent from the field. He is currently sidelined with a right calf strain.
Some of the dots are easy to connect. Antetokounmpo shares an agent, Alex Saratsis of Octagon, with Miami’s Bam Adebayo, and Stephen Curry is also an Octagon client. The Spurs, meanwhile, are believed to have preserved trade assets during the offseason with Antetokounmpo in mind. Minnesota, coming off back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances, is viewed by league observers as one piece away.
For now, the Bucks are holding the line. Giannis is still a Buck. Until he says otherwise, that is the only part that truly matters.
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