Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has said he has no intention of asking out of the Milwaukee Bucks, but teams across the league continue to operate as if that could change.
The Bucks have struggled to find traction and remain stuck just outside the play in race. Even with a late season push, Milwaukee projects more as a Play-In team than a true contender, with the seventh or eighth seed likely representing its upper limit.
Zach Lowe: "The Hawks, Warriors, Lakers, Heat and Knicks are all considering holding onto their assets for a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo now or in the Summer."
To be honest, it sounds like the same story every year to me @ZachLowe_NBA pic.twitter.com/sQgTyZQaL2
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 18, 2026
NBA insider Zach Lowe reports that five teams are keeping their powder dry, preserving trade assets in anticipation that Giannis Antetokounmpo could request a move either before the deadline or later in the offseason.
“The Hawks, Warriors, Lakers, Heat and Knicks are all considering holding onto their assets for a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo now or in the Summer,” the insider remarked during his appearance on NBA on Prime.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks
Dec 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in a time out during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat have circled Giannis Antetokounmpo for years, while the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers could also assemble compelling packages if given enough runway. Still, every scenario hinges on one factor. Milwaukee has no intention of moving its franchise player unless Antetokounmpo himself signals that he wants a fresh start with a team built to contend right away.
At 17–24, the Bucks sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, 1.5 games back of the final Play-In spot and 4.5 games away from a guaranteed place in the 2026 Playoffs. The uneven start under Doc Rivers has only fueled speculation around the roster, as Milwaukee’s struggles continue to keep trade rumors very much alive.
Jan 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Now in his 13th season with Milwaukee after arriving as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Giannis Antetokounmpo has continued to produce at an elite level. Through 27 games, he is putting up 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per night, while also adding 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.