Giannis Antetokounmpo Open To Leaving Bucks, Exploring Options Outside Milwaukee

For the first time in his 12-year NBA career, Giannis Antetokounmpo is seriously open to the idea of playing somewhere other than Milwaukee. As reported by Shams Charania, the two-time MVP is expected to explore his long-term fit outside of the Bucks organization following their third consecutive first-round playoff exit. 

This signals a seismic shift not only for the franchise but for the entire NBA landscape.

While no official trade request has been made, league sources confirm that Giannis and his representatives will meet with the Bucks this offseason to discuss his future. The timing couldn’t be more critical. 

Milwaukee has not advanced past the second round since winning the title in 2021, despite finishing with a top-five record multiple times and pushing all their chips in last summer by acquiring Damian Lillard. Now, with Lillard recovering from a torn Achilles and the roster showing signs of decline, the pressure is mounting.

Antetokounmpo’s individual dominance remains undisputed. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on 60 percent shooting this season and was once again a top-three MVP finalist. 

In the playoffs, he elevated those numbers even further to 33.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Despite his heroics, the Bucks were dispatched in five games by the upstart Indiana Pacers.

The Bucks face severe roster limitations. Seven players are under contract for next season, and Lillard, Giannis, and Kyle Kuzma account for $130 million of the team's $164 million payroll. 

With few draft assets and little cap room, rebuilding on the fly is nearly impossible. Brook Lopez could walk in free agency, and Bobby Portis holds a player option. This leaves Milwaukee potentially hollow at the center position and dangerously thin across the rotation.

Antetokounmpo’s current contract runs through the 2026-27 season, with a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28. But his openness to exploring other fits has already made waves. 

According to various reports, the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat are among the top contenders if he becomes available. The Lakers could offer a superstar pairing alongside Luka Doncic, the Knicks possess a stockpile of picks and talent, and the Heat offer a proven championship infrastructure.

Two less obvious contenders, the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers, are also positioned to make compelling offers. According to league insiders, if Cleveland falls short of the Finals again, they are prepared to go all-in.

Even the Brooklyn Nets, despite their dismal season, are quietly lurking. They’ve been searching for a new franchise cornerstone ever since the collapse of the Durant-Irving era. With young talent, tradeable contracts, and future draft picks at their disposal, the Nets have a path to re-enter title contention overnight.

Whether he leaves this summer or plays another year in Milwaukee, Giannis’ looming decision is one of the biggest dominoes of the 2025 NBA offseason. 

If he becomes available, it won’t just spark a bidding war, it will reshape the balance of power across the entire league. For the first time, Milwaukee's future without its franchise cornerstone is a real possibility.