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Thursday’s NBA trade deadline came and went without a deal for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee appears set to keep the two-time MVP for now and has informed teams of its decision, sources told ESPN shortly before Thursday’s afternoon deadline. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors were reportedly among the teams exploring a potential deal for Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo expressed openness to a change of scenery months ago, either at the trade deadline or this offseason, according to an ESPN report last week.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Chicago Bulls in the first half at the United Center on February 16, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Although Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee and led the franchise to its first NBA title in 50 years, trade speculation has followed him for months. Until recently, the Bucks showed little willingness to engage in serious negotiations involving the 10-time All-Star, though the front office has signaled no urgency to make a move.
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Antetokounmpo appeared to address his status shortly after the trade deadline, writing in an Instagram post: “Legends don’t chase. They attract,” which was accompanied by an explosively charged scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s character enthusiastically declares he’s staying at his job.
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)
Antetokounmpo, his representatives and the Bucks are expected to revisit potential deals after the season. Barring a miraculous turnaround after the All-Star break, it doesn’t look like Milwaukee will make the postseason. The Bucks entered Thursday at 20-29 and No. 12 in the Eastern Conference standings.
In the fall, the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo will be eligible for a contract extension. He also has a player option for the 2027-28 season, meaning there will be significant financial implications attached to where Antetokounmpo ultimately lands.
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 several weeks. The star forward appeared to suffer the injury during a recent game against the Denver Nuggets. He suffered a similar setback in December that caused him to miss more than three weeks. Before that, a groin problem forced Antetokounmpo to sit out 11 days in November.
In 30 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds.
While Antetokounmpo remained at the deadline, the Bucks made another move, acquiring Ousmane Dieng as part of a three-team trade. The Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns were the other two teams involved in the deal, ESPN reported.
