Giannis Antetokounmpo , Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo sent a message after the trade deadline has passed.
Giannis Antetokounmpo broke his silence after a tense week of trade speculation ended with him staying in Milwaukee — a development that left teams such as the Miami Heat pivoting after making a serious, late push for the two-time MVP.
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar posted a clip from The Wolf of Wall Street on social media, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Jordan Belfort delivering his now-iconic declaration that he was “not leaving” his firm amid federal scrutiny.
“You know what — I’m not leaving. I’m not leaving. I’m not f— leaving,” DiCaprio’s character proclaims in the scene, igniting cheers from his staff.
The Bucks star paired the video with a pointed caption: “Legends don’t chase. They attract.”
The message landed as clarity set in across the league: the Milwaukee Bucks were not moving their franchise star at the trade deadline.
Heat Were Engaged Until the Very End
Miami’s interest was not exploratory. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat remained engaged in Antetokounmpo trade discussions until late Wednesday night, when they were informed that Milwaukee was unlikely to move him before the deadline.
“Per source, Heat was informed very late last night that Bucks likely wouldn’t be trading Giannis today,” Jackson wrote on X. “Heat offer received consideration. Obviously, Bam (Adebayo) was never part of deal, but there wasn’t something that Heat had that Bucks asked for and Heat resisted that killed the deal. Miami was willing to do what it took. Bucks simply want to see if they can get more this summer.”
Jackson previously reported that Miami believed it had assembled a competitive offer for the two-time NBA MVP.
“The Heat’s offer, according to a source, is widely expected to include Ware, Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier’s expiring contract, and another young player or more,” Jackson reported, “along with first-round picks in 2030 and 2032 and possibly pick swaps in 2026, 2029, and 2031.”
Miami explored secondary avenues to strengthen its proposal.
Multiple reports indicated the Heat shopped Andrew Wiggins in hopes of flipping his contract into additional draft capital that could be routed to Milwaukee. No such deal materialized before the deadline, limiting Miami’s ability to raise its bid further.
Simply put, Miami pushed — and waited — until Milwaukee made its stance clear.
Giannis Message Confirms Bucks’ Position
Antetokounmpo’s social-media post effectively confirmed what rival teams had been sensing for days: the Bucks intend to continue building around their franchise star rather than resetting at the trade deadline.
Milwaukee retains access to meaningful draft capital to reshape the roster internally, including as many as three first-round picks that could be used to upgrade Antetokounmpo’s supporting cast if the team’s uneven season continues.
For the Heat, the moment underscored both opportunity and limitation. Miami was the only Eastern Conference team not to make a single move at this year’s trade deadline, opting instead to preserve flexibility rather than force a secondary deal.
That restraint leaves the Heat with movable contracts, future draft assets, and a culture-driven pitch that has resonated with elite players in the past. Miami is also positioned to expand its draft inventory to four first-round picks this summer, further strengthening its ability to engage in top-of-market trade discussions.
Antetokounmpo’s long-term contract situation continues to loom over the league. He is under contract through 2026–27, with a $62.8 million player option for the 2027–28 season, a timeline that ensures Milwaukee’s direction — and Miami’s patience — will remain closely monitored.