Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo is ‘open-minded’ about exploring future beyond Bucks

Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo is ‘open-minded’ about exploring future beyond Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered their third-straight first-round exit–including the second-straight to the Indiana Pacers–with Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future with the organization becoming more of a question than it arguably ever has over the last half-decade.

On Monday, the second day of this week’s draft combine and the day of the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped the first legitimate inkling of Antetokounmpo potentially getting moved elsewhere this offseason, reporting that, for the first time in his career, he’s “open-minded” about exploring his options elsewhere.

“The two-time NBA MVP has not made any firm decisions on his Bucks future after the franchise’s third consecutive postseason exit in the first round,” Charania’s report read. “But, for the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere, league sources told ESPN.

“Teams have approached the Bucks frequently over the years about the availability of Antetokounmpo as a normal exercise, and they are expected to ramp up due diligence during combine week, according to league sources.”

He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists on 62.5 percent true shooting this season. He led the NBA in 2-pointers and free throws this season, his fourth time leading in free throws over the last five years.

He signed a three-year, $175 million extension in October of 2023. The first year of his extension begins in 2025-26 at $54.1 million capped by a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28, his age-33 season, according to Spotrac.

Antetokounmpo, 30, will obviously be the most attractive player on the trade market if he has his sights set elsewhere.

Bucks extend general manager Jon Horst to multi-year deal

Of course, it’s protocol for every superstar to explore every avenue–especially if their current situation isn’t working. That doesn’t mean Antetokounmpo will leave nor that it’s in his best interest to leave.

But given the Bucks’ state, it’s not surprising that he’s exploring his options.

Multiple teams–Boston, Cleveland, New York and Indiana–have passed the Bucks since they won their title in 2020-21; Milwaukee doesn’t have many great young pieces, draft assets and its second pillar–Damian Lillard–will miss most, if not all of 2025-26 with an achilles tear and won’t be fully healthy until his age-36 season.

The writing is on the wall–and there are plenty of suitors for Antetokounmpo to maximize his prime. Most of the league won’t react until this situation is settled. Where would you want to see him go, should he depart? Let us know in the comments!

***

Click Here for more NBA Content

Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch

Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube

Check out the Vendetta Shop

Check out Vendetta Fantasy Contests