Bucks rumors: Will hiring Taylor Jenkins prevent Giannis trade? Bobby Portis drops the cold-hard truth

Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis weighed in on Taylor Jenkins potentially becoming his new head coach and how it will impact All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s immediate future. Jenkins, who reportedly met with Bucks owners, and GM Jon Horst, is reportedly expected to meet with Antetokounmpo ahead of Milwaukee’s critical offseason.

Portis believes that the Bucks’ hiring Jenkins as head coach is a step in the right direction for the team, and increases the odds of Antetokounmpo staying, he said, per FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.

“What helps is that [Jenkins] was in Milwaukee during Coach Bud’s stint in Milwaukee,” Portis said. “He was one of the assistant coaches on the roster. I think that kind of relationship with Giannis and that relationship with Jon Horst sits still with the franchise, and I think that kind of helps.”

In 2021, former head coach Mike Budenholzer’s staff guided Portis, Antetokoumpo, and the Bucks to their first title in 40 years.

“Obviously, it’s going to come down to him. Eventually, he’s gotta make the decision,” Portis added. “Whether he is going to sign the supermax or not sign the supermax. I think I’ve seen something where one of our team owners said it’s going to come down to him signing the contract or whatever, or not. But I guess it’s going to be on him. It’s going to be a hard decision, especially when you’re the best player on the team in franchise history.”

At the end of the day, Antetokoumpo will ultimately have to make a decision about his future.

“Obviously, I know the team probably doesn’t want to part ways with him,” Portis said. “Kind of hard to fathom that part in their eyes. At the same time, it is business. When I was younger, I didn’t really understand the business. But being 11 years in the league now, I totally get it.”

. @BPortistime doesn't know if Taylor Jenkins will keep Giannis in a Bucks uniform

"What helps is Jenkins was in Milwaukee during Coach Bud's stint… a hard decision when you're the best player in franchise history."@MichelleDBeadle | @boogiecousins | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/cyskTP8Bxb

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 23, 2026

After watching the Bucks miss the playoffs and Doc Rivers walk off into the sunset, Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to make the difficult decision of potentially leaving the only NBA team he’s every played for.

Bucks reportedly interested in hiring Taylor Jenkins

Ahead of the offseason, the Bucks’ head coach position remains vacant after the organization parted ways with veteran head coach Doc Rivers. Bucks owners and GM Jon Horst met with Jenkins, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, and Sam Amick.

“Team owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam and general manager Jon Horst made their way to Memphis, where the former Grizzlies head coach still resides with his family, early last week to discuss their head coach opening and a vision for the future with Jenkins in Milwaukee,” Nehm and Amick reported.

There is no official word on Giannis Antetokoumpo’s immediate plans.

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