The Milwaukee Bucks appeared ready to explore moving Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline. Their front office engaged multiple teams around the league, sparking significant interest, and even issued counteroffers earlier in the week as talks progressed.
However, the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo stayed with the Bucks past the February 5 trade deadline, but whispers of a potential trade are likely to resurface during the offseason.
Reports indicate that three teams aggressively pursued Antetokounmpo in the final 24 hours before the deadline.
The Heat, Timberwolves and Warriors are viewed as the finalists for pulling off a Giannis Antetokounmpo deadline trade, per @WindhorstESPN.
Miami and Minnesota are actively calling teams trying to extract more draft capital, but might not do it until they know Giannis signs off. pic.twitter.com/9FzHJHTfXP
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 4, 2026
“The Heat, Timberwolves and Warriors are viewed as the finalists for pulling off a Giannis Antetokounmpo deadline trade, per @WindhorstESPN..Miami and Minnesota are actively calling teams trying to extract more draft capital, but might not do it until they know Giannis signs off,” NBA insider Evan Sidery posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo be out of the Bucks next year?
Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Those teams ultimately pulled back from pursuing Antetokounmpo, likely put off by Milwaukee’s high asking price. The Bucks were said to be seeking as many as five first round picks in return for their superstar.
“The Bucks were asking for at least five 1st-round picks in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, per Shams Charania. Milwaukee set an astronomically high price with Giannis not trying to force his way out at the deadline,” Sidery added.
The Bucks were asking for at least five 1st-round picks in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, per @ShamsCharania.
Milwaukee set an astronomically high price with Giannis not trying to force his way out at the deadline. pic.twitter.com/sOq0vWNTqF
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 6, 2026
Milwaukee may never have genuinely intended to trade him at the deadline, or they simply hold their superstar in exceptionally high regard. Even for a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber, asking for five first round picks is an astonishing demand.
Jan 19, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball down the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
This summer promises to be intriguing, particularly if Antetokounmpo officially asks for a trade. The Bucks now have a clearer picture of what potential offers might look like, and additional teams with cap space could enter the mix.
Beginning October 1, Giannis will have the option to sign a four year, 275 million dollar extension with Milwaukee if he remains with the team.