Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks were once again at the center of attention as another NBA trade deadline came and went.
The deadline included several surprising moves and shakeups that are sure to make the second half of the season more exciting. While those unexpected trades are part of what makes the deadline so highly anticipated, many fans tune in hoping to see the blockbuster deal everyone has been waiting for, such as a potential move involving Giannis.
Right from the beginning of the season, speculation swirled that Giannis and the Bucks might part ways by the midseason trade deadline.
The chatter grew louder as Milwaukee faltered, and by the end of January, it appeared many had already concluded that the two-time MVP was likely to finish the year with another team.
Bill Simmons on Giannis Antetokounmpo staying with the Bucks
Dec 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in a time out during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Bill Simmons was one insider who made his displeasure with Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee clear, using his podcast to voice his opinions.
“Giannis, what are you doing? Get out of dodge! You haven’t had a meaningful playoff moment since 2022,” the NBA analyst remarked during the latest episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast.
“Giannis, what are you doing?!”@BillSimmons believes Giannis is wasting another season by not demanding to be dealt at this trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/puXC0YvJzr
— The Ringer (@ringer) February 5, 2026
“You took an entire Olympic cycle of Playoffs that you’ve wasted, and you could have changed it this year, and all you had to do was say ‘I demand a trade. I’ve run my course, I’m out. Please trade me, I’d like to go.”
This season, the Bucks are at serious risk of missing the playoffs, holding a 20-29 record and sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Giannis and the Bucks’ continued struggles
Jan 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Their struggles are compounded by Antetokounmpo’s expected four to six-week absence due to a right calf strain, making it even harder for Milwaukee to improve its position.
“Here’s my list of teams, I want to be traded by whatever today’s date is. He kind of half-assed, passive-aggressived it, I think he’s in a worse spot now. He just lost another postseason. He could have been back in time for April; he could have been back in time with a really good team, and I think he had enough leverage with them that he could have bullied them, I think, a little bit. He gave them the title, now it’s time to go. And you just wasted another postseason,” Simmons continued.
Mar 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits on the bench during a time out against the Orlando Magic in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
At this point, even with Antetokounmpo posting All-NBA numbers, the Bucks do not resemble a playoff-caliber team, let alone a championship contender. If the team stays around the middle of the pack next season, Giannis could decide to request a move regardless.