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As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to have his sights set on a possible move to another NBA market.
“Several rival teams” are making “aggressive bids” on the possibility of adding the two-time league MVP to their respective rosters, ESPN reported Wednesday, citing sources.
With Antetokounmpo spending his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee and leading the franchise to its first NBA championship in half a century, the team may be more willing than ever to accept offers that would net the Bucks considerable compensation.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A deal could be reached as soon as the trade deadline next month. This year’s deadline is February 5, but given that the Bucks front office has not expressed urgency in removing Antetokounmpo from its roster, a trade could be delayed until the summer.
Reports in recent months have indicated that Antetokounmpo told the Bucks that he had reached a crossroads with the organization and was ready to part ways.
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The latest report comes amid the Bucks’ three-game losing streak. The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Bucks on Tuesday, dropping Milwaukee’s record to 18-27. The Bucks entered Wednesday’s NBA action in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings and are still in danger of missing the playoffs.
This fall, Antetokounmpo, 31, will become eligible for a supermax contract extension. If he doesn’t sign an extension, the 2021 NBA Finals MVP is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during 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 level that he would continue to wear a Bucks jersey through the 2025-26 season.
“I don’t know. I don’t know. I take it day by day,” he replied.
Last week’s 122-102 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder prompted a brutal 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 selfish, trying to get their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys are trying to do it for themselves.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A calf injury will keep Antetokounmpo sidelined for the next few weeks. The star forward appears to have suffered an injury during last Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. He suffered a similar setback in December, which ultimately caused him to miss more than three weeks. Before that, a groin problem forced Antetokounmpo to miss 11 days in November.
On Monday, Bucks coach Doc Rivers declined to provide a timetable for Antetokounmpo’s return from his latest injury.
While Antetokounmpo was healthy enough to make the roster, the Bucks went 15-15 this season. In 30 games, Antetokounmpo averages 28 points and 10 rebounds.
