The Milwaukee Bucks are in a very difficult situation with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they can rest assured that they have financial options to keep him around long term. If Milwaukee doesn't find a suitable trade partner for Giannis this season, they can offer him a massive four-year/$275 million contract extension on October 1, 2026. Even if Giannis would prefer to play elsewhere, that sort of money is hard to turn down.
The Bucks can secure Giannis with a huge offer
There has reportedly been hesitation from other teams, including potential trade destinations, to offer Giannis that same contract extension. It's understandable to have some reluctance about paying nearly $70 million per season for a player in his age 34-37 seasons. Even for the Bucks, it might be tempting to trade him elsewhere before that point.
But there is some significance to keeping the franchise's greatest player around. And Giannis is still a top-five player in the world when healthy. Overpaying for him at the end of his career would be a fair price for the chance to build a contender for the next few years.
Of course, the Bucks' current roster is not capable of competing for a title even with a fully healthy Giannis. Even in the games he's played this season, they are just 9-8. But some long-term commitment from his end can give the Bucks the confidence they need to seriously pursue roster upgrades.
Whether it's a big trade or a coaching change, the Bucks still have some options for improving around the edges. They're out of options for bringing in another true star, but perhaps they can build a roster that's solid enough to compete in the East. That's especially true if Giannis comes back next season re-energized after signing a huge contract extension.
The biggest hurdle to more years of Giannis in Milwaukee will be keeping him appeased through this season. It's becoming increasingly clear that the Bucks won't trade him away unless their hand is forced. Both Giannis' status as a franchise legend and the lack of ideal trade offers have contributed to this dilemma.
But if Giannis demands a trade, the Bucks will be forced to comply. If he specifies a select few trade destinations, it'll diminish his trade value and leave the Bucks with a poor return. To avoid such a disaster, the Bucks will need to keep him happy by showing some promise on the court and engaging him early in contract extension talks.
Giannis Antetokoumpo's days on the Bucks may seem numbered, but there's still a chance to keep him around. If the Bucks can appease him until October of next year, they've got the chance to secure him through 2032.