Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens made his stance clear by stating that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be traded if he does not come to terms with an extension. The 31-year-old has established himself as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history and acquired the nickname “Greek Freak.”
However, with his current injury layoff and the looming final year of his contract, his future remains uncertain.
Bucks Draw Line on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future
Antetokounmpo’s trajectory has been hampered by injuries since the start of the 2025–26 season. He missed 15 consecutive games due to a right calf strain. Earlier this week, he struggled with a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise sustained in a victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Troubles continued as he was sidelined again with a reported ankle sprain. Although the Greek-Nigerian star wishes to return, his team is focused on avoiding a rush to bring him back.
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In a recent statement, the team owner indicated that the organization cannot afford another season with the 10-time NBA All-Star simply playing out his contract. He must either accept an extension offer or be traded.
If neither option occurs, Antetokounmpo could enter free agency in 2027, but everything will depend on whether the board approves and if the timelines align.
Edens also revealed that the rule is not restricted to the Greek-Nigerian but will apply to every other player in their last year. The Bucks appear committed to avoiding a situation where a marquee player leaves for nothing in return, signaling a potentially aggressive offseason regardless of Antetokounmpo’s historical significance to the franchise.
“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]. 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 organization. That’s not a Giannis issue. That’s any player that’s in their last year.”
The 31-year-old was absent from January 23 and returned on March 2 after a 15-game absence. He notched 19 points and hauled in 11 rebounds but lost to the Boston Celtics 108-81. During the All-Star break, he admitted that he was committed to the Bucks as of that moment, but he knew nothing about how the future would unfold.
READ MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo Rejects Bucks’ Plan to End His Season After Knee Injury
Antetokounmpo has shown his loyalty to Milwaukee time and again, but has also expressed his desire to be on a championship-caliber team. The Bucks broke a 50-year title drought in 2021 and never advanced past the second round in the following years. The 6-foot-11 player will be eligible for a contract extension on October 1, 2026.
The Bucks are 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 28-41 record. They currently sit 7.5 games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final play-in spot and appear destined to enter the NBA Draft lottery as one of the 14 teams in May.
