The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to dominate NBA headlines as the season unfolds. Milwaukee’s struggles have fueled trade speculation around Antetokounmpo with the deadline approaching, especially after offseason reports suggested he had considered asking out. The organization persuaded Giannis to commit to one more run, but the results have fallen short, with the Bucks failing to turn that belief into consistent winning.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo are currently locked in a tense “staring contest” over their next moves, with both sides waiting to see who will make the first decisive step regarding his future with the Bucks.
Jake Fischer says the Bucks and Giannis are in a starring contest
“One league executive told me it’s a starring contest. The Bucks are tripling down and saying they aren’t entertaining any trade interest for Giannis until he ask out. The reality is, Giannis ain’t asking out… pic.twitter.com/Yz51soJbpH
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) December 16, 2025
“One league executive told me it’s a staring contest. The Bucks are tripling down and saying they aren’t entertaining any trade interest for Giannis until he ask out. The reality is, Giannis ain’t asking out either,” Fisher remarked.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will need to formally submit a trade request to confirm he no longer wishes to play for the Bucks, a monumental decision that cannot be undone once made. He has spent his entire NBA career in Milwaukee, making this choice even more weighty. Clearly, Giannis is taking his time, holding off on any definitive move until he feels it has truly reached the point of no return.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo really leaving the Bucks?
Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on from the bench while recovering from an injury in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Greek Freak is reportedly most interested in joining the New York Knicks or the Miami Heat. Neither team, however, offers a straightforward route to complete a deal within the next two months.
The Knicks especially fall short in assets to meet Milwaukee’s demands unless they are willing to make concessions to accommodate Giannis’s preferred choice.
Miami does have a few promising young players to offer, but any trade would require NBA approval to move Terry Rozier’s contract amid his ongoing gambling scandal.
Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes down with an injury against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Giannis’ current injury may delay his decision until he returns to full health, leaving a narrow window to finalize a trade once he’s ready to play.
Fischer’s “staring contest” remark essentially puts the ball in Giannis’s court, as Milwaukee has no plans to trade him. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether Antetokounmpo wants to chase an NBA Championship this season, which will shape his future path.