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Thursday’s NBA trade deadline passed without any deals completed for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee appears willing to keep the two-time MVP for now and has informed teams of its decision, sources told ESPN shortly before Thursday afternoon’s deadline. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors have reportedly been 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 during the 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 during the first half at the United Center on February 16, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Although Antetokounmpo 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 have shown little willingness to engage in serious negotiations involving the 10-time All-Star, although the front office has not signaled the urgency to act.
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Antetokounmpo appeared to address his status shortly after the trade deadline, writing in an Instagram post, “Legends don’t hunt. They attract,” which was accompanied by an expletive-laden scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s character excitedly declares that he’s staying at his job.
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)
Antetokounmpo, his representatives and the Bucks are expected to review potential deals after the season. Barring a miraculous turnaround after the All-Star break, it seems unlikely that Milwaukee will reach the playoffs. The Bucks entered Thursday at 20-29 and 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
This fall, Antetokounmpo, 31, will become eligible for a contract extension. He also has a player option for the 2027-2028 season, meaning there will be significant financial implications tied to where Antetokounmpo ultimately lands.
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 several weeks. The star forward appears to have suffered an injury during a recent game against the Denver Nuggets. He suffered a similar setback in December, which caused him to miss more than three weeks. Before that, a groin problem forced Antetokounmpo to miss 11 days in November.
In 30 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds.
While Antetokounmpo stayed put until the deadline, the Bucks made another move, picking up 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.
