The Milwaukee Bucks could make a franchise-altering decision on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future before the 2026 NBA Draft. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said Wednesday that the organization wants clarity on Antetokounmpo’s status within the next several weeks as Milwaukee enters a pivotal offseason following a disappointing injury-filled campaign.
Haslam spoke during a news conference introducing new Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins. Milwaukee finished 32-50 this season, ending a streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances. Antetokounmpo, who has spent all 13 seasons of his NBA career with the Bucks, remains eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in October.
The uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future has already fueled speculation around potential trade scenarios involving multiple teams, including the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors. Milwaukee’s front office now faces a decision that could shape both the franchise’s immediate future and long-term direction.
Jimmy Haslam Says Milwaukee Bucks Want Giannis Antetokounmpo Decision Before NBA Draft
GettyMilwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam
Haslam made it clear on Wednesday that the Bucks hope to resolve Antetokounmpo’s future before the NBA Draft on June 23-24.
“The draft’s what, June 23rd and 24th,” Haslam said. “So sometime over the next six or seven weeks, we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he’s going to play somewhere else.”
Haslam added that the organization understands the significance of the decision and said the process would involve multiple members of the ownership and management teams.
“And John and Taylor and along with Wes and myself will make that call,” Haslam said. “And we understand the gravity of that call.”
The Bucks can offer Antetokounmpo a supermax extension later this year. If he declines to sign, he could become a free agent after next season. Haslam indicated Milwaukee prefers clarity well before that point because the organization’s offseason strategy depends heavily on Antetokounmpo’s status.
“I just think before the draft is a natural time,” Haslam said. “Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, we’ve got to have a lot of assets. That’s Jon’s job to do. And if he’s here, then you build the team differently.”
Haslam also emphasized that communication between the organization and Antetokounmpo has remained direct since the season ended.
“We never had any problem communicating directly with Giannis — at all — and always knew where he stood,” Haslam said. “And I think he always knew where we stood.”
Antetokounmpo, 31, led Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship and holds many of the franchise’s major career records. Injuries limited him to a career-low 36 games this season.
Taylor Jenkins and Bucks Address Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Situation
GettyMilwaukee Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins
New Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged Wednesday that he accepted the job understanding there was uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future.
“When this opportunity became available, I was like, I know the people,” Jenkins said. “I know what they stand for. I know what their standards are going to be on a day-to-day basis.”
Jenkins also confirmed he has already communicated with Antetokounmpo since taking over as head coach.
“He’s expressed tremendous excitement for me and my family,” Jenkins said. “Obviously, even only being here for one season, he and I established a really good relationship and maintained that respect, even from a distance.”
The Bucks hired Jenkins after another coaching change following a disappointing season. Jenkins becomes Milwaukee’s fourth head coach in five seasons, excluding Joe Prunty’s brief interim stint in 2024.
Meanwhile, speculation about Antetokounmpo’s future continues to grow across the league. According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Miami Heat are expected to pursue Antetokounmpo this offseason with a potential package centered around Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and future draft compensation.
Tyler Herro Kel’el Ware Jaime Jaquez Jr. 2026 1st Future draft compensation
Shams Charania previously said the Heat were among the teams that explored a possible trade for Antetokounmpo before the deadline. The Timberwolves and Warriors were also mentioned as teams interested in pursuing the former MVP.
Despite outside speculation, Milwaukee continues to stress its commitment to Antetokounmpo.
“Giannis has brought Milwaukee its second championship and the first in 50 years,” Haslam said. “He’s a phenomenal player. He’s a phenomenal person. He’s arguably one of the best basketball players in the world and we will do what’s best for Giannis and what’s best for the organization.”
The Bucks now enter one of the most important offseasons in franchise history, with the NBA Draft quickly approaching and Antetokounmpo’s future still unresolved.
Bucks Owner Jimmy Haslam Sets Deadline on Giannis Antetokounmpo Decision Ahead of NBA Draft