NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Have Their Plan Ready if Giannis Antetokounmpo Refuses to Sign Max Deal

The clock is ticking on the bond between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks were the ones who drafted Giannis at the 15th spot when he was left out by lottery winners for players like Anthony Bennett, Victor Oladipo, and Otto Porter. The Bucks shaped Giannis and in return, the man gave the franchise a successful run.

This sweet tale is now nearing a roadblock, as Giannis now has just one year left on his contract with the Bucks. The fact that the Bucks have yet again failed in the playoffs will make it difficult for the Greek Freak to stay. What happens if he turns down their offer of an extension?

The Milwaukee Bucks have all possible scenarios in mind

The 25-year-old will turn 26 before the next season kicks off. He has given seven seasons of his life to the Bucks, taking them to five playoffs. Giannis is now standing on the verge of receiving a well-deserved supermax extension worth $221 million when the free agency begins. No other organization has the salary cap to offer this kind of humongous amount to the champion material. 

For players like Giannis, it’s not always about money. He has suffered back-to-back post-season losses even after standing on top of the conference. He has a great relationship with coach Mike Budenholzer, but the franchise’s inability to surround him with the right talent could force him to turn down the offer.

The Bucks are ready if such a situation arises. According to ESPN, “Multiple sources have emphatically said Milwaukee will not look to trade Antetokounmpo if he passes on the extension. Instead, the Bucks will try to improve their roster and use the next year to show Antetokounmpo why he should stay.”

What’s keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo in, and what’s pushing him out?

The 2-time NBA MVP is on the top signing priority of as many as 10+ NBA teams right now. Giannis is the torchbearer who has single-handedly made the Bucks a very successful franchise in the past couple of years. The Defensive Player of the Year is hungry for a title win and the only reason he is unable to do so is due to the lack of support.

If the Bucks can equip him with power by signing someone like Chris Paul, and by drafting other amazing talent, things could work. But the Bucks organization will have just one year to do this. Giannis loves the city of Milwaukee and shares a camaraderie with his fellow players. But this alone won’t stop him from exploring better options in stronger teams. 

In a matter of a few months, the picture around the Bucks’ future will get clearer.