As the NBA trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee has struggled this season, holding an 18-27 record, and Giannis has formally requested a trade. Whether a deal happens before the deadline is uncertain, with a move during the offseason looking more likely.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas said on the latest episode of his show “Gil’s Arena” that he doesn’t expect a trade for Giannis to happen. He pointed to the asking price as the main obstacle, believing no team is willing to part with its core roster just to acquire him right now.
"Who are they going to trade, their whole team for him?!"@NoChillGilZero thinks the Bucks will struggle to sell Giannis before the trade deadline 💯 pic.twitter.com/AhkkCYoYoY
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) January 28, 2026
“I don’t see them getting what they want. Who are they going to trade, their whole team for him?!” remarked Arenas.
Shams Charania reports that the Milwaukee Bucks have opened the door to trade discussions for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Whether those talks will lead to an actual deal remains uncertain.
What would it take to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Several teams that have reached out about a potential Antetokounmpo trade say the Bucks are “more open than ever” to moving the 10-time All-Star. Even with that interest, Milwaukee isn’t rushing to part ways with their franchise cornerstone unless the return meets their expectations.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst told ESPN on Wednesday that the Golden State Warriors have become the team to watch as the league prepares for a possible move involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Mar 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) meet after the game at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks are seeking draft picks and a young player with potential to develop alongside the team, preparing for a possible rebuild if this marks the end of Antetokounmpo’s time in Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo is sidelined after aggravating his calf last week and is expected to miss at least four to six weeks. With him out, the Bucks sit 12th in the Eastern Conference, and their slide shows no signs of slowing. Having dropped six of their last seven games, the team’s struggles appear to have reached a tipping point, making a trade for Giannis increasingly inevitable, whether it happens before the deadline or in the offseason.