For years, Giannis Antetokounmpo was viewed as one of the NBA’s few loyal stars. While many elite players around the league looked for ways out at the first sign of trouble, the Milwaukee Bucks’ franchise centerpiece continued to stand by Milwaukee. Despite a string of playoff setbacks, Giannis repeatedly made it clear he wanted to stay with the organization.
Still, even the most patient stars eventually reach a limit. While Antetokounmpo continued to publicly express his desire to remain in Milwaukee, he also began offering subtle signs that a change could be coming. Those signals now carry real weight, with trade speculation around the Bucks star continuing to escalate.
A major point of uncertainty in the speculation is the timeline. With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, Milwaukee has only a narrow window to act before being locked into keeping Giannis through the end of the season. Reports indicate the Bucks and Antetokounmpo do not share the same view on when a trade should take place, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo stay with the Bucks?
Jan 19, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball down the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
“There is a belief among several teams that have been in contact with the Bucks this week that their preference remains to keep Antetokounmpo beyond Thursday’s 3 PM ET trade buzzer,” NBA insider Marc Stein reported.
“Yet it must be noted just as strongly that various teams involved in the Antetokounmpo chase believe that, from his camp’s side, there is a preference to push a trade through before the deadline … even in absence of a clearly stated public demand for such an outcome.”
Dec 31, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Bucks have little incentive to hurry a deal involving Antetokounmpo. As Stein noted, teams around the league expect the Bucks to take their time and fully assess their options. Holding off until the offseason would open the door to a broader market of potential trade partners. The timing is also tied to draft considerations, since Milwaukee’s decision will factor in where its 2026 first-round pick ultimately falls.
The league has seen plenty of surprises, and the right offer could quickly change Milwaukee’s stance. For the moment, Antetokounmpo remains in a holding pattern as the Bucks push through a four-game losing skid.