Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is going one of two ways.
In an interview with ESPN, Bucks co-owner Wes Edens made it clear that he doesn’t want the superstar playing out the 2026-27 NBA season with the team without a new deal.
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“Giannis is going into the last year (of his contract),” Edens said.
“So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended, or he’ll be traded.
“The likelihood you’ll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can’t afford that. It’s not consistent with what’s good for the organisation,” he added.
“That’s not a Giannis issue. That’s any player that’s in their last year.”
Antetokounmpo has one year plus a player option for the 2027-28 season left on the three-year, $186 million extension he signed in 2023.
Edens’ comments mark the latest drama in the seemingly never-ending standoff between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, whom he has played for since being drafted No. 15 overall in the 2013 Draft.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Antetokounmpo, who has dealt with a number of injuries this season, including a calf, groin, knee, and ankle, and the team were at odds about potentially shutting down the two-time NBA MVP as he recovers from a left knee injury.
Antetokounmpo had been steadfast about getting back on the court this season as long as there was no other potential risk of injury, according to a report from ESPN.
The Bucks are currently 7 1/2 games back of the Hornets for the final play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference.
Before the trade deadline, Milwaukee opted to hold on to Antetokounmpo despite endless rumours that his time with the franchise was coming to an end.
When healthy, Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.6 points with 9.8 rebounds in just 28.9 minutes per game on 62.4 per cent shooting this season.
-This story was first published in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission.
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