Giannis and Bucks Reportedly Headed for Divorce

Superstar's future with team uncertain as contract extension deadline looms

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives, conveying the fragmented nature of the Bucks' future without their superstar.The potential departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks would shatter the franchise's championship aspirations.Today in Milwaukee

ESPN Wisconsin's Mark Tauscher reports that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and the team appear to be on a collision course toward an inevitable split, with the two-time NBA MVP potentially leaving the franchise when his contract expires after next season.

Why it matters

Giannis is the face of the Bucks franchise and has led the team to the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2021. His potential departure would be a major blow to the team and the city of Milwaukee, which has rallied around the 'Greek Freak' during his rise to superstardom.

The details

Tauscher, co-host of the Wilde & Tausch radio show, said he is not optimistic about the Bucks' chances of signing Giannis to a contract extension before the October 18 deadline. The 27-year-old forward is eligible for a supermax deal worth over $250 million, but there are growing concerns that he may opt to leave Milwaukee and join another contender in free agency next summer.

  • Giannis' current contract with the Bucks expires after the 2023-24 NBA season.
  • The deadline for Giannis to sign a contract extension with the Bucks is October 18, 2022.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A 27-year-old forward and two-time NBA MVP who has played his entire 8-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Mark Tauscher

Co-host of the Wilde & Tausch radio show on ESPN Wisconsin, providing analysis on the Bucks and Giannis' future with the team.

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What they’re saying

“Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks appear to be on a crash course toward an inevitable divorce.”

— Mark Tauscher, ESPN Wisconsin Radio Host

What’s next

The Bucks have until October 18 to sign Giannis to a contract extension before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The takeaway

Giannis' potential departure from the Bucks would be a devastating loss for the franchise and the city of Milwaukee, which has rallied around the superstar's rise to prominence. The team faces a critical deadline this fall to convince the two-time MVP to stay, or risk losing him to another contender in free agency.