The Milwaukee Bucks stirred frustration around the NBA by holding onto Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, even as league insiders insisted a blockbuster move was imminent. With Antetokounmpo sidelined by injury, Milwaukee has slid down the Eastern Conference standings, struggling to stay afloat without its franchise cornerstone in the lineup.
Even though the Bucks stood pat at the trade deadline, skepticism remains about whether Milwaukee will ultimately remain Antetokounmpo’s long-term home.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently shared his view that Milwaukee could ultimately move the Greek Freak this summer, explaining that it “remains undeniably true that the Bucks are going to get more attractive offers in the offseason than they could have gotten this month.”
Fischer added that he continues “to hear rival teams musing aloud about Brooklyn’s potential emergence as a credible destination given the Nets’ considerable cache of draft capital to package with, say, Michael Porter Jr.”
He also noted that a Western Conference contender that falls short in this year’s playoffs could pivot toward pursuing Antetokounmpo once its season ends.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks
Feb 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Since capturing the NBA title in 2021, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have advanced past the first round just once.
At the same time, durability has become a growing concern, with the star battling injuries over the past couple of seasons. His recurring calf issue, in particular, has drawn attention given how often that type of strain can precede a far more serious Achilles injury.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team World forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
At the same time, uncertainty lingers over whether the Bucks will even bring Antetokounmpo back before the season ends. Holding him out would improve their odds of landing a favorable spot in the 2026 NBA Draft, though Milwaukee would only receive the better of its own pick or the New Orleans Pelicans’ selection, whichever is less advantageous.
Either way, NBA fans should brace themselves for the Antetokounmpo trade chatter to ramp up again once the offseason begins.