The Athletic's Eric Nehm noted that if Antetokounmpo stays and takes the gap-year approach, the Bucks' flexibility could be buoyed by Damian Lillard ( $58.5 million player option) and Kyle Kuzma ( $20.4 million) potentially being attractive trade candidates entering the final season of their contracts.

After the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, trade rumors began to surface. Most of the trade talk involves Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Many believe he will request a trade after being ousted in the opening round of the postseason for a third year in a row.

Talk has really started to ramp up around the Milwaukee Bucks and the future of their star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a report from Shams Charania about Antetokounmpo being open to his future not being in Milwaukee, talk has been fueled up about Milwaukee trading him.