Overview
- The Athletic’s anonymous survey of 151 players published Monday found 45.7% expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to start next season with Milwaukee, with the Heat at 23.2% and the Knicks at 16.6%.
- Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam has set June 23, the night of the NBA Draft, as the point for clarity and has said he would trade Antetokounmpo if he will not commit to a long-term extension he becomes eligible to sign on Oct. 1.
- Reporting across outlets says Milwaukee has reopened trade talks and that several contenders are preparing bids, while ESPN’s Zach Lowe has said Miami is his best guess if a trade happens.
- Antetokounmpo played 36 games in 2025–26 due to leg injuries yet averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists, which keeps his trade value high but adds risk for any suitor.
- Executives value deals before the draft because teams can include immediate picks and structure multi-team packages, which is why interested clubs like Miami, New York and others are lining up proposals now.