Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has become the focal point of trade speculation as Thursday’s NBA deadline approaches. Talk of his potential exit from Milwaukee has circulated for years, but the chatter has now reached unprecedented levels. There’s a growing chance he could be dealt before the deadline closes tomorrow.
“We’re going to know if there’s a Giannis deal in the next 8 hours. … There’s a lot of moving parts here and I think there’s gonna have to be a framework of a Giannis type trade by midnight tonight.” Marks commented during his appearance at NBA Today.
Over the past week, multiple teams have made their interest in the Greek Freak known, and the Bucks are likely assessing which proposal delivers the most value. At the same time, Milwaukee has the luxury of holding off, as waiting until the offseason could allow them to extract an even stronger return.
The trade deadline looms on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
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
If the Bucks decide to make a trade before the deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors appear to be the frontrunners showing the strongest interest. The Timberwolves even moved Mike Conley Jr. to free up roster space, and they have the assets necessary to offer the Bucks in exchange for Antetokounmpo.
As for the Warriors, they would probably need help from a third or fourth team to facilitate a trade for Antetokounmpo, but it also looks like they’re open to trading Draymond Green, as he could be a piece in the deal.
Apr 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Ultimately, the Bucks aren’t obligated to rush a trade if no offer meets their standards, and they could focus on improving the roster in the offseason to give Antetokounmpo a reason to remain with the team.
As the clock struck midnight, Giannis Antetokounmpo remained a Milwaukee Buck. Bobby Marks’ eight-hour window has come and gone, and the anticipated framework of a blockbuster deal never materialized. Whether this signals that the Bucks have decided to hold firm through the deadline or simply that negotiations need more time to develop remains unclear.