Giannis Antetokounmpo, Giannis trade, Milwaukee Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after their 112-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rival teams have reportedly continued to call the Milwaukee Bucks to inquire about a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, even after the two-time MVP suffered a devastating non-contact calf injury last Friday.
Per insider Marc Stein, “multiple teams” are still holding out hope that the Bucks could pull the trigger on a Giannis trade ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
“One of my most consistently clutch sources passed along Sunday that multiple teams continue to try to engage the Bucks on a Giannis deal that they would like to consummate before the Feb. 5 deadline …. even though Antetokounmpo himself says he will be sidelined for at least four-to-six weeks by his latest calf injury incurred Friday night,” Stein wrote in his Sunday Substack.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury
As Stein noted, Antetokounmpo ruled himself out for four to six weeks of action after his calf injury before undergoing an MRI on Saturday. While the results of his MRI have yet to be released, the Bucks are already preparing to be without “The Greek Freak” for an extended period, per multiple reports.
Yet, the Bucks have still not indicated their willingness to move their longtime franchise star, according to The Stein Line.
“There is still no clear-cut indication that the Bucks are willing to entertain the prospect of an Antetokounmpo deal before draft time in the spring,” Stein added.
Giannis Trade Set for Offseason?
Regardless of what happens by the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Antetokounmpo has the option of becoming a free agent in 2027, meaning the 2026-27 season could be his last in Milwaukee. As such, it’s likely in the best interest of the Bucks to deal the 2021 Finals MVP for a large haul this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing.
To that end, insider Jake Fischer noted over the weekend that teams around the league feel very confident that a Giannis trade could materialize during the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, 2026, which, as per tradition, will occur in the lead-up to free agency.
“Said one league source particularly well-versed in Bucks matters: ‘This is shaping up to be a draft-day kind of thing.’ Said another: ‘It’s happening.’ Meaning a trade in conjunction with the draft if not now,” Fischer reported on Friday.
Fischer added that delaying a Giannis trade until the NBA Draft would allow certain teams to stockpile draft assets and make their best possible offer.
“Waiting until after the NBA’s lottery drawing in May to truly launch into the process of parting with their Face of the Franchise via trade would at least enable the Bucks to know exactly what potential trade partners can offer in terms of 2026 draft capital.”
The Los Angeles Lakers will be one of the teams that could benefit from a Draft Day Giannis trade timeline, as they’d be armed with three first-rounders over the summer, including their 2026 pick. In comparison, the Lakers can offer only one first-round pick ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The New York Knicks will also be able to offer two first-rounders, including the Wizards‘ 2026 top-8 protected pick, over the summer.