Bucks Brace for Giannis Antetokounmpo's Potential Departure

Franchise superstar may force trade by refusing to re-sign with Milwaukee

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Milwaukee Bucks narrowly avoided trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo at the recent deadline, but the team's franchise superstar may still be on his way out the door. According to reports, Antetokounmpo is unlikely to re-sign with the Bucks when his contract expires in 2027, effectively forcing the team to trade him this offseason to avoid losing him for nothing.

Why it matters

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's elite players, and his potential departure would be a massive blow to the Bucks' championship aspirations. The team has built around him for years, and his exit would signal the end of an era in Milwaukee and force the franchise to undergo a painful rebuilding process.

The details

Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.9 steals per game this season, despite missing time due to injury. The Bucks did not make a serious attempt to acquire a co-star for Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, and now face an uphill battle to convince him to stay beyond the 2026-27 season, when his current contract expires.

  • Antetokounmpo will have only one guaranteed season left on his contract after this season.
  • The Bucks narrowly avoided trading Antetokounmpo at the recent trade deadline.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks' franchise superstar and one of the NBA's elite players.

Bryan Toporek

A writer for Fansided who believes Antetokounmpo will be traded by the Bucks this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Much like this year's trade deadline, the Bucks could hold up the entire offseason market if they try to stall before entertaining trade offers for the Greek Freak. He'll have only one guaranteed season left on his contract, though, so he can effectively force the Bucks to trade him by pledging not to re-sign with them as a free agent in 2027.”

— Bryan Toporek, Writer (Fansided)

What’s next

The Bucks will need to decide whether to trade Antetokounmpo this offseason or risk losing him for nothing in free agency in 2027.

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential departure from the Milwaukee Bucks would be a devastating blow to the franchise, forcing them to undergo a painful rebuilding process. The team's inability to surround Antetokounmpo with a strong supporting cast may ultimately lead to his exit, marking the end of an era in Milwaukee.