Brian Windhorst fuels fresh Giannis Antetokounmpo trade buzz as Bucks face crucial season

The comment quickly sparked discussion, with many wondering what the future holds for the Bucks if its two-time MVP decides to move on. ESPN insider Tim MacMahon, however, offered a different perspective, proposing that the Bucks might prioritize collecting draft picks in any potential trade scenario.

“Here’s what I’m going to say to that… Maybe the Bucks will make a player trade or maybe the Bucks will get offered 12 draft picks that don’t include their draft picks and won’t make a player trade,” MacMahon posited.

“They have to make the best trade that’s available to them. If that means they get great draft picks and they don’t have their own picks, that’s fine.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks

Windhorst responded by stressing that Antetokounmpo’s contract situation would heavily influence any potential trade. He explained that if Giannis Antetokounmpo waits until next summer with just one year left on his deal, he would essentially control where he goes, which would greatly limit Milwaukee’s ability to negotiate a strong return.

Antetokounmpo has continued to dominate trade discussions this offseason, with rumors growing louder after he skipped Milwaukee’s media day. Reports that his family moved back to Greece following his EuroBasket 2025 run have only fueled talk that his time with the Bucks may be nearing an end.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to suit up this preseason, but the Bucks are off to a strong 2-0 start after defeating the Detroit Pistons 117-111 on Thursday night. Milwaukee will kick off its regular season at home against the Washington Wizards and Khris Middleton on October 22.

The Greek Freak dominated the 2024-25 season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. He shot 60.1 percent from the field and logged 34.2 minutes per outing across 67 games.

As Milwaukee gears up for its season opener, Windhorst’s remarks have only intensified the ongoing discussion about Antetokounmpo’s future with the team.