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Bucks' Aggressive Stance on Trades Amid Giannis Antetokounmpo Rumors: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 9:53 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have had numerous trade rumors since their early playoff exit. Many believe that Antetokounmpo will soon request a trade given the lack of postseason success over the past three years. The Bucks have been unlucky since winning the NBA championship in 2021 and have explored other options to contend.

However, recent reports show that the Bucks aren't willing to part ways with their best player. The feeling is the same with Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak hinted that he'll stay in Milwaukee in an interview with Coast to Coast Brazil.

However, there has been no official confirmation on a decision.

Amid the trade rumors, ESPN's Bobby Marks reported that the Bucks will be aggressive in acquiring pieces that complement Antetokounmpo. That hinted that the organization won't part ways with the two-time MVP and will maximize the offseason to make proper free agency signings and trades.

"However, sources confirmed to ESPN that Milwaukee will be aggressively exploring options in free agency and trades to complement Antetokounmpo," Marks wrote.

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will enter the 2025-26 season without the team's second-best player, Damian Lillard. He will use most of the entire campaign recovering from a torn Achilles.

Marks added that the Bucks are allowed to use the $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception to sign Gary Trent Jr. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Trent increased his value during the postseason, when he became the second-best player behind Antetokounmpo.

The ESPN analyst also said that Milwaukee could use the non-tax midlevel exception to sign a temporary guard replacement for the injured Lillard. The franchise has the $5.1 million biannual exception available in the offseason. Marks reported that it could be used to retain big men Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis Jr.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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