Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially leaving Milwaukee has become one of the NBA’s biggest unanswered questions. While the two-time MVP has repeatedly emphasized his loyalty to the franchise that drafted him in 2013, persistent struggles from the Bucks have kept trade rumors alive. Now, a prominent NBA insider has delivered what he believes is the most likely timeline for an Antetokounmpo trade.
NBA Insider Pinpoints Summer As Most Likely Window for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Trade
Speaking on The Zach Lowe Show podcast, former ESPN writer Zach Lowe outlined when he believes the Bucks-Antetokounmpo situation could finally reach a resolution.
“The most likely resolution is in the summer… when Giannis has a clear yes or no with the extension they put in front of him this offseason,” Lowe said. “But I’m not closing the door on an in-season trade. Especially if the Bucks continue to make up no ground in the standings.”
That comment neatly captures the current uncertainty. While an in-season blockbuster isn’t being ruled out, Lowe and many around the league view the summer of 2026 as the most realistic inflection point, when Milwaukee puts an extension in front of Antetokounmpo and gets a definitive answer.
If that answer isn’t a clear commitment, the Bucks may be forced to consider moving their franchise cornerstone rather than risk losing leverage later.
Bucks’ Struggles Are Fueling the Speculation for Antetokounmpo’s Trade
The biggest driver behind the renewed trade chatter is Milwaukee’s on-court performance. The Bucks endured their worst seven-game losing streak early in the 2025–26 season and currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 15–20 record.
Things unraveled further when Antetokounmpo missed 14 games with a calf strain, during which Milwaukee went a troubling 3–11. His importance was immediately evident upon his return on December 27, 2025, against the Chicago Bulls, as the Bucks stabilized with a 3–1 record following his comeback.
Individually, the Greek Freak remains elite. He’s averaging 29.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting an absurd 63.7% from the field, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. At 6-foot-11, he continues to be a force on both ends, but team success remains the ultimate deciding factor.
Antetokounmpo is chasing a second championship ring, and as long as the Bucks can convincingly present themselves as a title contender, there’s still a pathway for him to stay. However, if the Bucks slide further down the standings or fail to gain traction, the door to a trade swings open wider.
The season is only halfway through, and there’s still time for a rebound. But according to league insiders, if clarity doesn’t arrive by summer, Antetokounmpo’s future and the NBA landscape could change dramatically.