NBA fans are flocking to social media to voice a rare sense of nostalgia for Adrian Wojnarowski after Shams Charania’s reporting on Giannis Antetokounmpo waffled back and forth before failing to culminate in a trade-deadline blockbuster.
For weeks, Charania strongly hinted at a splintering environment in Milwaukee and escalating trade talks with suitors like the Heat and Timberwolves, leading many to believe the Greek Freak was officially on his way out of the 414. However, when the deadline passed on February 5 with Giannis remaining a Buck, the “Shams Bomb” was labeled a dud, leaving fans frustrated.
The backlash has reignited the age-old debate between the two titans of NBA reporting. While Charania has become the face of the industry since Adrian Wojnarowski’s retirement, this latest saga has left a segment of the "NBA Twitter" faithful longing for the days of "Woj."
For now, the Giannis drama has been kicked to the summer, but the reputation of the league's top newsbreaker has taken a visible hit in the court of public opinion.
MORE:All NBA trade deadline moves
Shams Charania Giannis Antetokounmpo reporting
The 2026 NBA trade deadline has officially passed, and despite weeks of hinting at a league-altering shakeup, Antetokounmpo remains a Milwaukee Buck. NBA fans have spent the afternoon venting their frustrations on social media, accusing ESPN’s Charania of over-reporting a situation that never gained real traction.
Throughout late January and early February, Charania’s reports of Giannis being "ready for a new home" and the Bucks "actively listening" to aggressive offers from the Heat and Timberwolves fueled a massive hype cycle that ultimately resulted in a quiet afternoon for the two-time MVP.
The backlash has led to a viral wave of nostalgia for the retired Adrian Wojnarowski, with many fans claiming "Woj never would have led us on like this." While the Bucks did make minor moves —acquiring Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis— the lack of a Giannis blockbuster has left the "NBA Twitter" faithful feeling duped by what some are calling agent-driven posturing.
With Giannis now set to finish the season in Milwaukee while recovering from a calf injury, Charania’s credibility came under fire as the focus shifts to a likely summer standoff.
MORE:Why the Bucks aren't trading Giannis Antetokounmpo
NBA fans react to Shams Charania NBA reporting bombs
NBA fans took to Twitter to vent their frustration over Shams.
https://t.co/5dW43zlcz5 pic.twitter.com/87pCNJ1eKd
— justin serb-ert 🇷🇸🍉 (@markocantdunk) February 2, 2026
What made this swap “prolific,” like, at all?
We need to fight for words to mean things. This is close to indistinguishable from AI slop.
They are blurring the lines on purpose so we get worse at telling the difference. https://t.co/Q4RinplFCE
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) February 4, 2026
Shams stirring up Giannis rumors every trade deadline just for nothing to happen
pic.twitter.com/5nzn3VAAX0
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 5, 2026
Shams so far this deadline:
0-8 on Giannis rumours (0%)
12 ESPN links
5 Games Postponed
1 Real Trade
BRING BACK WOJ 🙏pic.twitter.com/kokcaLjFtf https://t.co/kl6gtnnb1j
— NBA Tour Dates (@NBATourDates) February 2, 2026
Shams this summer: “This will be the CRAZIEST off season of all time!”
Shams last night: “Don’t sleep!”
FRAUD 🤡 pic.twitter.com/D4gwCjghf8
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 5, 2026
Woj looking at Shams right now. pic.twitter.com/pgHLNf2hIK
— Ryan Rueda (@PlayoffDude) February 4, 2026
“Shams is WASHED 😩
“Dad how good was prime Woj” https://t.co/3Le8rcGArm pic.twitter.com/9gi7gSJ3eq
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) February 5, 2026
It wasn't only fans getting in on the action. Even the official Miriam Webster account roasted the insider.
Shout-out to @ShamsCharania who has been masterful with his thesaurus this week.
— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) February 4, 2026
Even the Bucks tweeted something after the report.
🥱
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 5, 2026
MORE: Trade grades for every NBA deadline deal
What happened to Woj?
Wojnarowski, famously known for his "Woj Bombs," retired from ESPN and the sports journalism industry as a whole in September 2024.
He decided to walk away from a lucrative contract — estimated at roughly $7 million annually — to return to his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University, where he now serves as the General Manager of the men’s basketball program.
Wojnarowski cited the relentless 24/7 nature of being an NBA insider as a primary reason for his departure. He noted that the "investment" required for the role was something he was no longer driven to make, famously stating, "Time isn't in endless supply."
He later revealed that he had been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in March 2024. While his long-term prognosis remained good, the diagnosis shifted his perspective on how he wanted to spend his time.
His role at ESPN was taken by Charania.
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