Giannis and Bucks Delay Extension Drama Until Offseason

The trade deadline passed with Giannis Antetokounmpo still a Buck, and both sides will wait until summer to chart the next step, ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported. Giannis can sign a four year, $275 million extension on Oct. 1, but a trade would force a six month wait to sign a max with a new team, per Bobby Marks. Giannis expects his calf to take "four to six weeks" to heal, and Doc Rivers said the team has given "no thought" to shutting him down. Milwaukee sits 21-29 and is fighting for a play-in spot while holding mid lottery odds. Merlin sees a standoff shaped by timing and leverage. If Giannis signals willingness to extend, Milwaukee can rebuild around him. If not, suitors will circle early in the summer. Health, the Oct. 1 deadline, and his "intentions" will decide whether the saga ends or deepens.