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As the NBA trade deadline approaches, it appears that Giannis Antetokounmpo is eyeing a potential move to another NBA market.
“Several rival teams” are fielding “aggressive offers” for the possibility of adding the two-time league MVP to their respective rosters, ESPN reported Wednesday, citing sources.
While Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee and led the franchise to its first NBA championship in half a century, the team could be more willing than ever to accept offers that would return significant compensation to the Bucks.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A trade could happen as soon as the trade deadline expires next month. This year’s deadline is set for Feb. 5, but given that the Bucks’ front office has expressed no urgency to potentially move Antetokounmpo off its roster, a trade could be delayed this summer.
Reports over the past few months have stated that Antetokounmpo told the Bucks that he reached a crossroads with the organization and was open to parting ways.
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The latest report comes amid the Bucks’ three-game losing skid. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Bucks on Tuesday, dropping Milwaukee’s record to 18-27. The Bucks entered Wednesday’s NBA action at No. 12 in the Eastern Conference standings and remain in danger of missing the postseason.
This fall, the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo will be eligible for a supermax contract extension. If he doesn’t work out an extension, the 2021 NBA Finals MVP would be scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 21, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Last week, Antetokounmpo was asked about his confidence that he would continue to wear a Bucks jersey through the entire 2025-26 season.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m taking it day by day,” he replied.
Last week’s 122-102 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder prompted a direct assessment from the 10-time All-Star.
“We don’t play hard,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’re not doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry isn’t there. Guys are being selfish and trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys trying to do it on their own.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A calf injury will sideline Antetokounmpo for the next several weeks. The star forward appeared to have suffered the injury during last Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. He suffered a similar setback in December that ultimately caused him to miss more than three weeks. Before that, a groin problem forced Antetokounmpo to sit out 11 days in November.
On Monday, Bucks coach Doc Rivers declined to give a timeline for Antetokounmpo’s return from his latest injury.
When Antetokounmpo has been healthy enough to be in the lineup, the Bucks have compiled a 15-15 record this season. In 30 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds.
