NBA trade rumors: Bucks won't (and shouldn't) move Giannis Antetokounmpo if he declines contract extension

He may not be eligible to become a free agent until 2021, but all eyes will be on Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason.

The Bucks will offer the two-time MVP a five-year supermax extension when free agency kicks off — there is no doubt about that. The big question is whether he will sign on the dotted line or turn down that contract and explore his options after the 2020-21 season.

MORE: Evaluating Anthony Davis' contract options

Even if Antetokounmpo does decline the supermax, though, Milwaukee won't change course and attempt to trade him for a pile of assets.

From ESPN's Tim Bontemps:

Multiple sources have emphatically said Milwaukee will not look to trade Antetokounmpo if he passes on the extension. Instead, the Bucks will try to improve their roster and use the next year to show Antetokounmpo why he should stay.

Losing Antetokounmpo for nothing would obviously hurt, but the Bucks can't let that possibility dictate how they operate. The goal should be to build a championship roster around Antetokounmpo, leaving no doubt as to whether he should play out his prime in Milwaukee. (Ownership is reportedly willing to spend into the luxury tax if necessary.)

Additionally, the 25-year-old has not given any indication that he wants to walk away from the only NBA team he has ever known. Antetokounmpo told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes in September that he won't go full Anthony Davis and request a trade, and he has repeatedly expressed his love for the franchise and the city of Milwaukee.

"As long as everybody's on the same page and as long as everybody's fighting for the same thing, fighting for the same thing every single day, which is to be a champion, I don't see why not to be in Milwaukee for the next 15 years," Antetokounmpo said after winning his second MVP award.

“As long as everybody’s fighting for the same thing … which is to be a champion, I don’t see why not to be in Milwaukee for the next 15 years.”

—@Giannis_An34 pic.twitter.com/DMb7iRahKd

— ESPN (@espn) September 18, 2020

There is a scenario in which Antetokounmpo rejects the supermax and eventually signs elsewhere. Teams such as the Heat, Raptors and Warriors have already been linked to Antetokounmpo, and more options could pop up over the course of the season.

Still, the Bucks would be wise to focus on themselves and continue chasing a title. If they make the right moves, his decision will be an easy one.