The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be planning a significant shift concerning their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Bucks’ ownership intends to part ways with Antetokounmpo before the 2026 NBA Draft. This development was revealed during Siegel’s appearance on the ClutchPoints podcast.
“We’ve been informed by several sources, including one from a team engaged in trade discussions about Giannis at the trade deadline, that the Bucks have made their decision. The ownership is set to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA Draft,” Siegel shared.
Antetokounmpo, who was selected 15th overall in the 2013 draft, has spent his entire professional career with the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, it now appears that his era in Milwaukee may soon be concluding.
Since winning a championship with the team in 2020, the Bucks have been unable to reach the Conference Finals.
This year, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.Â
Antetokounmpo has just one more year plus a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Rather than lose him for nothing in free agency, the Bucks have reportedly been shopping him around since the trade deadline.Â
Milwaukee received many offers before the deadline, but decided to hang on to Antetokounmpo until at least the offseason.
Then last month, Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslem stated that he preferred the team make a decision on Antetokounmpo before the draft, which kicks off on June 23.
Now that the team is seemingly ready to let Antetokounmpo go, one team from the trade deadline sweepstakes has emerged as a favorite to land the two-time NBA MVP.
Various reports have pegged the Miami Heat as the most likely destination for Antetokounmpo.
While the Heat remain in front, other teams, such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, have been rumored to have interest in Antetokounmpo.