A trade may or may not happen before the deadline, but Giannis Antetokounmpo could have already played his final game for the Milwaukee Bucks. On Monday, ESPN’s Marc Spears told NBA Today that he expects Antetokounmpo will not take the court for Milwaukee again.
“I think he’s played his last game in a Bucks uniform,” the NBA insider remarked.
Marc Spears on Giannis: "I think he's played his last game in a Bucks uniform" pic.twitter.com/fU46fgObxr
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 26, 2026
Spears elaborated on his view during his NBA Today appearance, asserting that the Atlanta Hawks are positioned to come out on top in the race for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I mean, cause there’s so much benefit for him not playing. One, you could make a trade for him now with Atlanta and get that generational piece, the No. 1 pick or No. 2 pick. If you play him, and you win, that just pushes that potential pick back further.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks struggles
Jan 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is helped up by guard Kevin Porter (7) after a foul in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have struggled through a turbulent 2025-26 season. With an 18-26 record and sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, their streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances is in serious danger. The outlook worsened after Antetokounmpo revealed he will miss four to six weeks with a new calf injury, leaving Milwaukee to face an even more difficult stretch.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers also stated that the Bucks have given “no thought” to keeping their star sidelined for the rest of the season.
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
Although nothing has been officially confirmed, the league is closely tracking the situation with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Whether they part ways before the February 5 trade deadline or in the offseason, teams are strategizing to put together their most attractive offers for the two-time MVP.