Giannis Antetokounmpo has previously expressed loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks, but as the February trade deadline approaches, the market has remained unusually quiet with teams waiting for the first move. Milwaukee’s continued string of losses suggests that a significant change could be on the horizon.
On NBA Today, league insider Brian Windhorst reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo is stalling the trade market, with several teams hoping he might request a trade in the coming weeks. The update comes amid one of Milwaukee’s roughest stretches this season, including three consecutive losses to the Denve Nuggets, a depleted Minnesota Timberwolves, and the San Antonio Spurs.
Brian Windhorst on trades:
"There are deals that are on hold and talk progressions on hold because teams still aren't 100% sure whether Giannis is going to be on (the Bucks) the rest of the year."
Milwaukee is 2 games out of final Play-In spot in East.pic.twitter.com/7zWgYsHSQI
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) January 16, 2026
“There are deals that are on hold and talk progressions on hold because teams still aren’t 100% sure whether Giannis is going to be on (the Bucks) the rest of the year,” Windhorst remarked during his appearance.
Things reached a boiling point in Tuesday’s game when Giannis Antetokounmpo turned on his own fans, who showered him with boos during a lopsided home loss.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks
Nov 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs off of the basket after dunking aginast the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Now sitting at 17-24, the Bucks have fallen to 11th in the East and are two games behind the final play-in spot. Despite the team’s struggles to stay in contention, Antetokounmpo has reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise, denying all trade request rumors.
As Milwaukee’s struggles mount, teams across the league suspect Giannis Antetokounmpo could reconsider and push for a trade. In 27 games this season, he is putting up 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 64.7 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three.
Nov 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring his 21,000th career point in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Even with the Bucks underperforming, Giannis is playing at the peak of his powers and could instantly turn several teams into legitimate championship contenders.
Ultimately, acquiring one of the NBA’s top talents would demand a hefty price, but it could be worth it with Giannis Antetokounmpo still only 31 and in his prime.
The Greek Freak with the right supporting class would put the league in danger, but teams can’t make a move until he signals his intent. For now, he remains committed to Milwaukee, though in today’s league, anything is possible.