Report: Bucks Talking With Giannis Antetokounmpo About His Potential Exit From The Team

The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have started conversations about his future with the franchise and "whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere," ESPN's Shams Charania reports. 

Per the report, "a resolution is expected in the coming weeks."

News of the conversations arrives amid a 9-13 start for the Bucks in which they're in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. 

A nine-time All-Star and two-time NBA MVP, Antetokounmpo is a franchise icon and led the Bucks to their second NBA championship in 2021. But the Bucks have failed to compete for a championship since winning that title and don't look like a playoff team this season as constructed. 

Antetokounmpo, 30, remains a dominant force and one of the NBA's elite players. With Milwaukee out of contention, it appears that the Bucks have resigned themselves to considering a complete rebuild while sending Antetokounmpo to another franchise where he could compete for a championship.

Bucks have failed to remain in contention since winning title

Since winning the 2021 championship, the Bucks have failed to advance out of the second round of the playoffs. They've suffered first-round exits in each of the last three seasons. Antetokounmpo's top running mates from that championship team, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, are both gone. 

And Milwaukee's efforts to build another contending roster around Antetokounmpo sank when Damian Lillard suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon last season.

With Antetokounmpo carrying the load, Milwaukee got off to a 6-3 start this season that included a win over a New York Knicks team that Antetokounmpo's name has been associated with in trade rumors. But that start was not sustainable, and the Bucks have since gone 3-10, including losses in eight of their last nine games (with Antetokounmpo missing four games with a groin injury during that stretch).

Since Monday's loss to the Washington Wizards, Antetokounmpo has scrubbed mentions of the Bucks from his social media, fueling further speculation of his discord with the state of the team.

Giannis wants to play for a winner

Amid reports linking his name in trade talks, Antetokounmpo reiterated his desire to compete for championships at Milwaukee's media day on Sept. 30.

“Guys, every summer there’s truth," Antetokounmpo said. "To every report. The same thing I’ve been saying my whole career — I want to be on a team that allows me, gives me a chance to win a championship and wants to compete at a high level."

Antetokounmpo is playing on a three-year, $186 million contract extension that he signed in 2023 in the aftermath of Milwaukee's trade to acquire Lillard. That extension includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.