Bucks Owner Edens Sets Deadline for Giannis Contract Extension

Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens says the team will decide Giannis Antetokounmpo's future based on whether he signs a $275 million extension by October 1.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:04am

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Milwaukee Bucks co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam have indicated the franchise will determine its direction based on whether two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo signs a four-year, $275 million contract extension by October 1. If Antetokounmpo does not agree to the extension, the Bucks will explore trading the star forward.

Why it matters

Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks has been a major storyline, as the team looks to keep its superstar or get maximum value in a potential trade. The Bucks' decision on Giannis will shape the franchise's direction for years to come.

The details

Bucks co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam told ESPN that the team will decide whether to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo to a $275 million extension or explore trading him if he does not agree to the deal by October 1. Antetokounmpo can sign the extension beginning October 1, and the Bucks say they cannot afford to let him play out the final year of his contract.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo can sign a four-year, $275 million extension on October 1, 2026.
  • The Bucks will decide Giannis' future with the team based on whether he signs the extension by October 1, 2026.

The players

Wes Edens

The controlling owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks' two-time MVP forward who can sign a $275 million extension with the team.

Jimmy Haslam

The co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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What they’re saying

“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract]. So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he'll be traded.”

— Wes Edens, Bucks Co-Owner

“The likelihood you'll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can't afford that. It's not consistent with what's good for the organization. That's not a Giannis issue. That's any player that's in their last year.”

— Wes Edens, Bucks Co-Owner

What’s next

The Bucks will determine whether to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo to a $275 million extension or explore trading him if he does not agree to the deal by October 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The Bucks are putting the onus on Giannis Antetokounmpo to commit long-term or risk being traded, underscoring the franchise's urgency to either secure its superstar or get maximum value in a potential deal before he can leave in free agency.