Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors: $300 Million 'Commitment' Could Derail Aggressive Pursuits from Teams Targeting Bucks Star

Sacramento Kings v Milwaukee Bucks - Source: Getty
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors: $300 Million 'Commitment' Could Derail Aggressive Pursuits from Teams Targeting Bucks Star (Image source: Getty)

NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported that rival teams are thinking twice about trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo because of his massive contract.

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The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $175.37 million contract extension in 2023. The Milwaukee Bucks star is earning $54.13 million this year, $58.46 million in 2026-27 and has a $62.79 million player option for 2027-28.

In an article on Friday, Windhorst said the new Collective Bargaining Agreement has caused teams to rethink long-term commitments to aging stars. Some may reconsider trading for the two-time NBA MVP. Despite this, Windhorst said league executives have indicated that Antetokounmpo, who is considered a generational talent, could be a potential exception.

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"I've surveyed executives on their views on Antetokounmpo since the summer, and there's definitely a bit of trepidation about committing potentially $300 million through his mid-30s, which is probably going to be on the table next summer in Milwaukee or elsewhere," Windhorst wrote.

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According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Antetokounmpo could sign a four-year extension next summer that may be worth up to $275 million. The Bucks star would be 37 years old in the final season of the deal.

The interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo remains strong as Milwaukee struggles early this season. Among the teams rumored as his trade destination are the New York Knicks, LA Lakers, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.

There are teams reportedly willing to take Giannis Antetokounmpo 'risk'

According to Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps, despite possible CBA ramifications, rival league executives said that Giannis Antetokounmpo will generate interest from all teams. The 2021 NBA Finals MVP remains a top-five player and is still considered in his prime.

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"I don't think you'd see 29 teams make an offer like if, say, Victor (Wembanyama) was available, but there would be plenty of interest and probably two to three teams would be willing to go all-in right now," an East executive said. "Every player has risk, and he'd have some risk, but this is one you don't have to work too hard to talk yourself into."
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Another anonymous executive said that his team would be willing to pay Antetokounmpo close to $300 million in his next contract.

"You are going to gulp and do it," another executive added. "But you have to be good enough where the beginning of the deal is worth it, because you are baking in the back end. If you're a play-in team? Or a six seed? Then, you shouldn't be doing it."

Per Bontemps, Giannis Antetokounmpo could end up dictating his preferred landing spot. Wherever the superstar lands, he will certainly increase the team's chances of winning an NBA title.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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