Bucks Owner's stance on Giannis revealed! Either extend or be traded, previously interested in two rising stars

On March 20 Beijing time, ESPN reporter Shelburne reported that Bucks owners Edens and Haslem share the same position regarding Giannis' future. When Giannis becomes eligible to sign an extension contract on October 2, he will either sign a long-term deal with the Bucks or the team will trade away this franchise star.

"Giannis is entering the final year of his contract," Edens stated. "So there will only be two outcomes: either extend or be traded."

"We cannot let him simply play out the final year of his contract; we cannot afford that risk. It is not beneficial for the team. This is not a personal issue with Giannis; it applies to any player entering a contract year."

Since Giannis has not closed the door on his future with the Bucks, rival teams have already begun clearing cap space for a potential pursuit in 2027. However, some teams suspect that this Bucks star might even be traded before the free agency market opens.

"It's no coincidence that teams like the Lakers, Clippers, Heat, and Warriors are preparing cap space for Giannis to become a free agent in 2027," an NBA executive told ESPN. "A player like Giannis can shift the league's power balance for years to come."

"What nobody knows right now is whether the Bucks will actually trade him before he enters free agency—and how they will make that decision."

Additionally, Shelburne reported that the Bucks had interest in two rising stars during trade discussions involving Giannis. "The players the Bucks were interested in are younger cornerstone-type talents, such as the 76ers' Echim or the Cavaliers' Mobley."

So far this season, Echim has played 63 games for the 76ers, averaging 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game in 34.9 minutes; Mobley has played 55 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game in 32.5 minutes.