Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Bucks fans boo
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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on January 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
The biggest story in the NBA right now is the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and if he gets traded before the trade deadline. A terrible season for the Milwaukee Bucks sees both the team and Antetokounmpo reaching a point of change being necessary to most bystanders. However, it appears the Bucks would still like to hold out hope and keep Giannis if he chooses to stay.
NBA reporter Marc Stein reported the following via his Substack:
“League sources say that the Bucks — who deep down would still prefer not to trade their Face of the Franchise — believe that a bolt of lottery luck in May could still keep alive Milwaukee’s dream of convincing Antetokounmpo to extend the relationship one more time.”
The report goes back to the most important topics of this trade market surrounding if Antetokounmpo wants to get traded and if Milwaukee wants to move him. Stein essentially confirmed that the Bucks would rather Giannis stay and continue to play out his career as arguably the greatest player in franchise history. Their plan to convince him seems a bit too far out there to work effectively.
How Milwaukee Plans To Convince Giannis
The Bucks have made some desperate moves throughout the years to appease Antetokounmpo during difficult times. Bold moves landed them Damian Lillard, Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner during various trade deadlines or offseasons when things looked bleak. Minimal trade capital sees them having a new hope to make Giannis happy.
Stein’s Substack shared more about the Bucks’ plan:
“Milwaukee will get the lesser of the two picks in June between the Bucks’ selection and the New Orleans Pelicans’ turn … but what if both the Bucks and the Pelicans score top four picks? New Orleans would have to convey the higher of the two picks to Atlanta as part of the Derik Queen trade … and Milwaukee would still be celebrating.”
Milwaukee is relying on the NBA Draft Lottery to help them via either their own pick moving up in the lottery or getting a New Orleans Pelicans pick. Unfortunately, this scenario is a pipe dream and requires an immense about of luck saving them.
Will Giannis Give Bucks Another Chance?
The past few seasons of deals have all failed the Bucks, despite Giannis giving Milwaukee chances to turn things around. Antetokounmpo has given conflicting messages about both wanting to end his career with the Bucks and wanting to contend for a title right now.
It remains highly unlikely both of those things will be able to happen in the near future. Giannis could easily ride out the negative seasons and remain happy in Milwaukee, but the trade talks reaching such an intense level may make that harder.
Antetokounmpo committing to getting traded and wanting a new home would see it virtually impossible to have a draft lottery prayer change his mind. The Bucks have no viable path at improving the team without trading Giannis, but it is a difficult situation sending away a beloved franchise great. Milwaukee may unfortunately reaching a new desperation level to keep him.