Giannis Antetokounmpo was at the center of trade talks during the offseason, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, with the Bucks giving the New York Knicks “an exclusive negotiating window” over several weeks in August. No deal was reached, so Giannis began the 2025-26 season in Milwaukee, though speculation and trade rumors have continued to surface.
Last month, Charania revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent were in discussions with the Bucks regarding his next steps. He noted that the situation was likely to be resolved “in the coming weeks,” ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
Some sources in the NBA reportedly believe that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks may hold off on exploring a trade until the offseason.
“If he waits until the summer [to ask out], he’ll have maximum leverage on what his future will be,” according to an Eastern Conference scout who communicated with Tim Bontemps.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks this season
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
Giannis returned from an eight-game absence with a calf injury, and the Bucks have gone 2-1 in the three games since he rejoined the lineup.During his absence, the Bucks have struggled this season, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 14-20 record, but they remain just 1.5 games from a play-in spot and five games behind a top-six seed, keeping their postseason hopes alive.
In the 20 games Giannis has appeared in this season, the Bucks have posted an 11-9 record, compared with just 3-11 when he sits out. It’s clear he drives the team’s performance, and with Antetokounmpo on the floor, Milwaukee still holds a shot at climbing back into playoff contention.
Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Averaging 28.9 points on 63.9 percent shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and 5.8 assists, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to function as a one man offense every time he steps on the floor.
With nine All Star selections, two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year honor, an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP on his resume, Giannis has cemented himself as one of the most accomplished and important players the franchise has ever had.
Time is the ultimate truth teller, and all will be revealed for Giannis and the Bucks.