Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has already denied that he wants to be traded.That’s music to the ears of Bucks fans, though the trade rumors involving the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player persist.
It’s a great, compelling subject, so it’s not really all that surprising to hear Antetokounmpo’s name still being in the loop of trade conversations as the deadline in February nears.
At the same time, NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN said that despite Antetokounmpo’s categorical statement, at least some in the league are still in a wait-and-see approach with regard to the future Basketball Hall of Famer’s situation.
“I know what Giannis has said on the record, and I know that the Bucks have been out there trying to buy. But I’m telling you, when I talk to people in the league, they’re still holding, waiting to see,” Windhorst said during Friday’s edition of ESPN’s Countdown.
“There are deals that are on hold and talk progressions on hold because teams still aren’t 100 percent sure whether Giannis is going to be on the team the rest of the year.”
https://twitter.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/2012308911571747320
Will the Bucks hold on to Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Windhorst did not mention any names or teams, but what he said was enough to spark additional intriguing surrounding Antetokounmpo, who have insipired further rumors himself lately, when hebooed back at the crowd during a game in Milwaukee.
Someone like Antetokounmpo isn’t easy to move, and planning for such a trade has to include fan sentiment to some extent.
At the end of the day, Milwaukee has the call on whether to trade Antetokounmpo or hold on to him for at least the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Jan 15, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) fouls Milwaukee forward Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
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