Bucks Struggle to Retain Giannis Antetokounmpo as Divorce Looms

Milwaukee's reluctance to trade the two-time MVP has damaged their relationship and future prospects.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:23pm

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An abstract, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the tension and uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks.A fractured, cubist-inspired illustration captures the turbulent relationship between the Bucks and their disgruntled superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.Oakland Today

Giannis Antetokounmpo has repeatedly told the Milwaukee Bucks that he wants to be traded, but the team has been reluctant to make a deal. Despite the Bucks' three straight first-round playoff exits and the team's poor performance this season, they have declined to work with Antetokounmpo on a trade, potentially costing them leverage and damaging their relationship with the two-time MVP.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's biggest stars, and his departure would be a major blow to the Bucks franchise. The team's refusal to trade him when he first requested it has weakened their position and could lead to an acrimonious split, depriving Milwaukee of a chance to get fair value in return.

The details

According to reports, Antetokounmpo made it clear to Bucks management last summer and again in December and January that he wanted to be traded. However, the team declined to move him, perhaps due to reluctance to part with their franchise player or insufficient trade offers. This has damaged the relationship between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, with a locker room source describing the team's situation as 'as toxic... as any in the league.' The Bucks' decision to keep Antetokounmpo has also weakened their future, as they waived and stretched the contract of Damian Lillard, which will count against their salary cap for years.

  • In the summer of 2022, Antetokounmpo expressed doubts about the Bucks' ability to compete.
  • In December 2022, Antetokounmpo and his agent told Bucks GM Jon Horst it was time for the two sides to part ways.
  • In late January 2023, Antetokounmpo reiterated his trade request to the Bucks.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP who has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Bucks, but has now requested a trade from the team.

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has declined to trade Antetokounmpo despite the star's trade request.

Wes Edens

One of the owners of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has claimed Antetokounmpo will either be extended or traded by October 1st.

Jimmy Haslam

One of the owners of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has been reluctant to trade Antetokounmpo.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, whose job may be in jeopardy due to the team's poor performance and toxic locker room situation.

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What they’re saying

“Antetokounmpo repeatedly told Bucks management that he was ready to be traded from his only team, which is 31-47 and far from the playoffs.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

“Antetokounmpo and his agent made a 'handshake agreement' with the Bucks when Antetokounmpo signed contract extensions in 2020 and 2023. They reportedly agreed to work with their star on a trade should the team become uncompetitive.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

“A locker room source called it 'as toxic of a team situation as any in the league.'”

— Locker Room Source

What’s next

The Bucks will have to decide whether to trade Antetokounmpo before the start of next season, as the star can opt out of his contract after the 2023-24 season. Waiting any longer could further damage the team's relationship with Antetokounmpo and cost them leverage in trade negotiations.

The takeaway

The Bucks' reluctance to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo when he first requested a move has severely damaged their relationship with the superstar and weakened their future prospects. The team must now decide whether to trade Antetokounmpo before the start of next season or risk losing him for nothing, a mistake that could haunt the franchise for years to come.