Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens said the franchise will either extend Giannis Antetokounmpo's contract or trade the two-time MVP this offseason rather than allow him to play out the final year of his current deal.

Edens stated that the organization "can't afford" to let Antetokounmpo enter the final season of his contract without securing his long-term future with the team. The comments suggest the Bucks are determined to avoid losing their franchise cornerstone as a free agent without receiving compensation in return.

Antetokounmpo signed a five-year supermax extension with Milwaukee in December 2020 worth approximately $228 million. The deal runs through the 2025-26 season, meaning he has one year remaining on his current contract following the upcoming season.

The 29-year-old forward has been the centerpiece of Milwaukee's championship aspirations since being drafted by the team in 2013. He led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years during the 2021 season and was named Finals MVP.

The Bucks' decision reflects a broader trend in professional sports where teams seek to maximize asset value by either securing long-term commitments from star players or trading them before potentially losing them in free agency. The franchise appears committed to maintaining competitive flexibility while protecting their investment in one of the league's premier talents.