The Milwaukee Bucks seem to be balancing on a knife’s edge, grappling with a challenging season while also managing the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future.
As the trade deadline nears, Milwaukee is under increasing pressure over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. The two-time MVP has repeatedly stressed his focus remains on the season, not the surrounding speculation. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins believes the team’s Wednesday showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder could play a critical role in determining their next steps.
“I’m thinking about the comments after last game from Giannis, and I’m thinking, if they get smoked tonight, I think this could end the relationship,” Perkins remarked during his appearance on NBA countdown.
"I'm thinking about the comments after last game from Giannis, and I'm thinking about – if they get smoked tonight, I think this could end the relationship."
Kendrick Perkins on the Bucks' matchup with the Thunder 👀
(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/xYczgP1Fqs
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 22, 2026
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the Bucks and Giannis respond.”
However, the Thunder proved too much for the undermanned Bucks to overcome at Fiserv Forum.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the matchup, pouring in 40 points while adding 11 assists and seven rebounds. Milwaukee, missing Myles Turner and Kevin Porter Jr., had no answer for SGA, who was nearly unstoppable, hitting 16 of 19 shots from the field and making both of his three-point attempts in just 33 minutes on the court.
The Thunder overpowers the Bucks
Jan 21, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The three-time NBA All-Star made history, becoming the first player in more than 40 seasons to score at least 40 points, grab five rebounds, dish out 10 assists, and shoot at least 80 percent from the field in a single game.
For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in 31 minutes, while Cole Anthony added 17 points off the bench, though it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Last month, Antetokounmpo met with the Bucks’ front office to talk about his future, though no concrete details have been shared publicly.
Jan 21, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Milwaukee fell to 18-25 on the season, while the Thunder improved to 37-8 with their 37th win of the year.
The loss to Oklahoma City only deepens the uncertainty surrounding the Bucks’ season and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future.
As ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins noted, a continued string of poor performances could push the Bucks and Giannis toward a crossroads. With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, Milwaukee faces a pivotal stretch where the team’s results could shape not only their playoff hopes but also the next chapter in Giannis’s career.