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Bucks to Decide Giannis’ Future Before 2026 Draft

5/7/2026

Summary

Haslam Announces Giannis

Jimmy Haslam (co-owner) announced Bucks will decide Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future before the June 23, 2026 NBA Draft.
He introduced coach Taylor Jenkins at the conference.
Antetokounmpo is in year two of a three-year $175 million deal with $121.2 million remaining and a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28.
The Bucks finished 32-50 and missed the playoffs.
Haslam said trade would bring assets, while staying could trigger $275 million extension in October, leading to free agency.

Summary

Knicks Pursue Giannis

Kalshi lists Celtics at 26% and Knicks at 21% to trade for Giannis by May 4, 2026, noting Shams Charania reported on October 7, 2025 that Giannis prefers the Knicks.
A Knicks-Giannis deal would likely involve Karl-Anthony Towns, whose 2026-27 salary is $57.7 million.
Brooklyn Nets insider Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson says the Nets doubt they can give Giannis control, while the Celtics are rumored to offer 2026 and 2027 first-round picks in a swap.

History

Historical Context

In July 2010 LeBron James announced on ESPN’s “The Decision” that he would join the Miami Heat, signing a six-year $110.1 million deal that gave the Heat, with $48 million in cap space, a “Big Three” alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Pat Riley’s pitch created the modern player-empowerment era, a template owners like Jimmy Haslam cite when weighing a 2025-26 Giannis Antetokounmpo trade that could reshape franchise values.

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Haslam Announces Giannis

Jimmy Haslam (co-owner) announced Bucks will decide Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future before the June 23, 2026 NBA Draft.
He introduced coach Taylor Jenkins at the conference.
Antetokounmpo is in year two of a three-year $175 million deal with $121.2 million remaining and a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28.
The Bucks finished 32-50 and missed the playoffs.
Haslam said trade would bring assets, while staying could trigger $275 million extension in October, leading to free agency.

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