Following a chaotic December and persistent trade rumors, the Milwaukee Bucks have regained momentum with Giannis Antetokounmpo back in action, securing back-to-back wins for the first time since October. Playing under a minutes restriction after recovering from a right calf strain, the Athens star logged 25:17 against the Charlotte Hornets, providing a crucial lift as Milwaukee fights to climb back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
“I don’t like when I play with minutes restrictions. I hate that. I feel like I’m being rushed, and I got to like set the tone and put the game away in such a short period of time. But at the end of the day, right now, I’m just, as I said, I just want to make my presence felt when I’m out there,” remarked the Bucks superstar, reflecting on how he approaches his minutes restriction.
The Bucks have faced intense scrutiny since early December, when an ESPN report revealed that Antetokounmpo and his agent had reopened discussions about his future in Milwaukee. Trade rumors have circulated nonstop, yet both Antetokounmpo and head coach Doc Rivers have consistently denied that the two-time MVP has requested a trade.
Milwaukee faces mounting pressure. With only a single first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 and few other tradable assets beyond Antetokounmpo and Turner, GM Jon Horst has been actively shopping the trade market.
The Bucks looking at reinforcements for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jan 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst address the media after head coach Adrian Griffin (not pictured) was dismissed at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Targets such as Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and Jerami Grant have emerged as options to strengthen the roster and give Antetokounmpo the support necessary to keep Milwaukee competitive as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.
Amid the uncertainty, Antetokounmpo is still carrying the Bucks. He’s averaging 28.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game this season, putting him alongside Nikola Jokic as one of the only players hitting at least 25-10-5. He’s on pace to record 30-10-5 for the fourth straight year.
Dec 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
When Antetokounmpo sits out, the Bucks’ supporting cast struggles to carry the team. Milwaukee has dropped 11 of 14 games without him this season, exposing the gap between the current roster and true championship contention.
Since winning the NBA title in 2021, they have managed only one playoff series victory in three seasons, falling short of expectations and raising questions about Giannis’ long-term commitment.