I Milwaukee Bucks trudge east this season and the front office is wondering about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the February 5th trade deadline looming. At 19.5 million under the first apron and without hard cap, they have room for maneuver, but they only have a 3.6 million trade exception available – linked to Gary Trent Jr.’s contract – to absorb an addition without equal salary. Below is the analysis conducted by ESPN on the franchise market.
The burning question is whether Milwaukee is ready to question the fate of Giannis, eligible for an extension from October 1st and a free agent in 2027. Without a rookie under contract and with their first choice only from 2031, the roster is jarring: 61 million combined in Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis weigh like boulders, without much flexibility available. If the team continues to falter, the Bucks will have to decide: bet everything on the Greek Freakperhaps risking the 2031 or 2032 choices in a trade, or opening up to extreme scenarios? Giannis still dominates, but the Bucks’ performance this year calls for real reinforcements.
Kevin Porter Jr. (5.1 million with player option) e Gary Trent Jr. (3.6 million) are the expiring contracts ideal for low-cost packages. Trent could say goodbye to get to a 3&D or point guard, while Porter adds salary flexibility. For a significant trade, however, more will be needed. Maybe sell Portis or Kuzma to free up cap and assets, without touching the core of the roster. The 2031 pick seems untouchable, but if Giannis were to come knocking to ask for some moves, the front office could play for an all-in.
The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t collapsed yet, but they’re losing their luster. The trade deadline could therefore mark the turning point of their season. Will the franchise try to lock down Giannis by risking some trades, or will they be willing to see him fly elsewhere?
