What Does Trading Away Giannis Antetokounmpo Mean For the Bucks?
It means an end to an era. But Antetokounmpo put the Bucks in a no-win situation as he wasn’t going to re-sign with the organization, per Charania via the Pat McAfee Show.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t gonna sign a contract extension in Milwaukee and he wanted out..
The Bucks were open for business and they’re moving forward after making this trade with the Miami Heat” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive https://t.co/vxUmZkVeuf pic.twitter.com/UbnV2rNiWR
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 23, 2026
Milwaukkee currently has 15 players under contract, including the four incoming players. Gary Harris opted into his $3.8 million player option on Tuesday, though Kevin Porter Jr. ($5.3 million), Gary Trent Jr. ($3.8 million), and Jericho Sims ($2.8 million) still have upcoming decisions. Pete Nance ($2.49 million) has a nonguaranteed deal, and Andre Jackson Jr. ($2.4 million) has a club option, which won’t be exercised.
The Bucks own the No. 10 and No. 13 in today’s draft. Even with Miami’s draft picks. The Bucks only have eight future selections (2027-2033), including six first-rounders.
Let’s assume all players with player options exercise them, and Nance and Jackson are shown the door. The Bucks’ obligations — including dead money and their two first-round picks — would be about $156 million or $9 million in cap space.
Herro is on a $33 million expiring contract, and while the Bucks value the Wisconsin native, they are fielding offers for the 26-year-old guard, per NBA Insider Jake Fischer. Fisher added that the Bucks don’t have any interest in trading Ware or Jakucionas.
I do believe Milwaukee has tried to package Nos. 10 and 13 to move up in tonight’s first round, but I don’t believe there’s going to be any trades in the top-10.
Sources say the Bucks, at this point, plan to keep Kel’el Ware, despite interest from rival teams like the Lakers.… https://t.co/0byAImAiox
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 23, 2026
Besides Herro, Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma are other potential trade candidates.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
