As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Milwaukee Bucks remain at the center of rumors, speculation, and even reports of actual trades. This, of course, is due to uncertain future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the franchise. Even the last trade today between the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Pistons has analysts speculating that Giannis could be moved ahead of the February 5 deadline.
Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Indeed, the talk around Giannis has been going on for months, even years. For his part, though, the ten-time All-Star has not publicly requested a trade, and he emphatically told reporters recently that he never will.
That being said, there are plenty of other signs that point to a divorce between Giannis and the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam speaks out on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors
Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
There are, perhaps, few people as unpopular and disliked among Wisconsin sports figures as Jimmy Haslam, who is a partial owner of the Bucks. Ever since he bought into the franchise a few years ago, there has been a noticeable decline in the quality of basketball played and players signed by the team.
Also the owner of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, Haslam had a press conference today to introduce that franchise’s next head coach, Todd Monken.
But during the media session, he also answered a question regarding the Bucks and the trade talk surrounding its biggest star:
Per The Athletic
“‘Giannis is a top three, top four player in the world,’ Haslam said. ‘He brought Milwaukee its first championship in 50 years several years ago, and he’s a really good person too. He’s no problem. He’s a great leader, tries hard.
“‘And I think Giannis and the Bucks — and I think this goes back before we were involved — have always worked closely to see what’s best for Giannis and what’s best for the Bucks, and we’ll continue to do so.’
“While that doesn’t give fans much insight into which way the Bucks might be leaning 48 hours before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, Haslam was also asked a follow-up question:
“What does a successful trade for Antetokounmpo look like, if there is one?
“‘That’s a question for (general manager) Jon Horst,’ Haslam replied.”
As one can see, Haslam tries to distance himself from the ongoing Giannis trade talks by claiming that they had been happening even prior to when he bought into the team. And while it is true that NBA analysts have been trying to force trade rumors on fans for nearly a decade, one cannot overlook the fact that the rumors have gained more steam ever since Haslam entered the picture.
What Haslam and the front office must keep in mind, though, is that they need to do what is best for the Bucks organization, not just for Giannis the player. If he does not want to be in Milwaukee anymore, as the rumors state, then they do not owe him a trade to a preferred destination. Instead, they should send him to the team that offers them the most draft picks and young talent in return.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!