Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t publicly pressuring the Milwaukee Bucks to trade him before the deadline. Instead, he continues to tell reporters that he would rather stay with the team and keep pursuing championships.
Meanwhile, league sources say Antetokounmpo has accepted the reality of the situation and has privately indicated he would consider a trade. The teams most frequently mentioned as serious contenders to acquire him include the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Shams Charania on the Bucks seriousness to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo shaking Jon Horst’s hand after signing his record extension.
“Even tonight, just moments ago, I talked to several different sources around teams involved, and there are certainly questions about whether Milwaukee is serious and genuine about pulling a move of this magnitude for this franchise at the deadline. There are obvious risk-rewards right now that Milwaukee has to sift through, whether they do it now or wait until the summer. If they wait until the summer, Giannis gets basically an expiring year on his deal. He’s got one year left. That gives him a little bit more say-so, a little bit more equity in terms of where he wants to end up and land,” veteran NBA insider Shams Charania commented during his appearance on NBA Countdown.
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
Antetokounmpo also has to assess his leverage in shaping his next destination, especially with his contract potentially nearing its expiration.
“The other side is Milwaukee is likely playing more toward lottery positioning in the second half. And if Giannis wants to play in the second half, that is a direct conflict with goals with both sides. So this is certainly a situation, even if it goes past the deadline, to monitor,” Shams continued.