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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks may have missed their ideal window to get a good trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Most of the NBA world expected Antetokounmpo to get traded this season when the Bucks entertained offers at the deadline. Both Giannis and Milwaukee decided to stick together for the rest of the season and found more disappointment by falling out of playoff contention.
Bucks’ co-owner Wes Edens confirmed that the Bucks will trade Antetokounmpo if he doesn’t sign an extension. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne revealed the following quote shared by an anonymous NBA executive:
“He’s still a game changer, but he’s 31 with a history of leg injuries. And now you’d basically be trading for a guy on an expiring deal, so I’m not sure the offers they’ll get this summer are going to be better than what they already got.”
The contract status of Giannis only holding one year left on his contract is a massive variable. Teams will want assurance that Antetokounmpo will instantly sign an extension if they trade any major pieces. However, Giannis doesn’t owe the Bucks anything and could refuse to sign a deal anywhere. Milwaukee may have made a huge mistake passing on multiple strong offers this deadline.
Which Trade Offers Did Milwaukee Miss?
The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves all reportedly had trade offers that provided interest from Milwaukee. Golden State was reportedly willing to give up four future first round draft picks and Jonathan Kuminga. Given the fact that the Warriors could flounder as Stephen Curry gets older and retires, these picks would hold strong value.
The Bucks reportedly got close to a deal with the Timberwolves, but Minnesota made multiple trades at the deadline to change their roster once they realized Milwaukee wasn’t serious. A franchise with Anthony Edwards didn’t want to waste a season waiting on Antetokounmpo. Young talent Rob Dillingham was rumored in the previous trade offer, but he is now a member of the Chicago Bulls.
Miami will still likely be interested in Giannis, but it would be hard to see them giving up everything they would have during the season. Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and future draft picks could be offered, but the Bucks can no longer get all of them as easily.
Weak Trade Market Helps Other Teams
The New York Knicks may benefit most from Giannis’ trade value reaching a lower point. Antetokounmpo reportedly views New York as his #1 destination, and he tried to get there during the last offseason before deciding to give Milwaukee another chance.
The Knicks hold minimal young talents or draft assets to trade, but a weaker market could give them a chance. A three-team trade would be needed for another team to take one of New York’s veteran starters to make it work.
Los Angeles Lakers fans are excited about the chances of getting Giannis since they’ll be quite aggressive this offseason. The trade value of Antetokounmpo sinking means that limited teams now can at least dream about putting together some framework to land the two-time MVP in a blockbuster trade.