Milwaukee, Wis. — Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has told the Milwaukee Bucks he is prepared to be traded before the Feb. 5 deadline, and several clubs have already submitted aggressive proposals, league sources said Wednesday.
According to those sources, rival executives believe Milwaukee is more receptive than ever to offers for the 31-year-old forward. The Bucks are seeking either a blue-chip young player or a substantial package of draft picks and have indicated they are willing to wait until the offseason if that price is not met.
Contract and leverage
Antetokounmpo is eligible on Oct. 1 to sign a four-year, $275 million supermax extension. Should he decline a $62.8 million player option, he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. With next season effectively an expiring year, any team acquiring him would want a firm commitment before surrendering significant assets.
If dealt this summer, league rules would require Antetokounmpo to wait six months before inking a supermax deal with his new team.
Fractured season in Milwaukee
The Bucks are 18-27, 12th in the Eastern Conference, and currently hold a lottery pick—whichever selection is less favorable between their own and the New Orleans Pelicans’. Antetokounmpo has repeatedly told team officials over the past several months that the time has come to move on after more than 12 years with the franchise.
On Jan. 19 he responded “I don’t know. I take it day by day,” when asked if he expected to finish the season in Milwaukee. Following a Jan. 22 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he criticized the club’s effort, saying players were “being selfish” and the team lacked chemistry.
Roster moves and recent injuries
General manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers persuaded Antetokounmpo to chase another title this season after waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s remaining $113 million to sign center Myles Turner for four years and $108 million. Despite that, the star forward explored outside options last summer, including a potential trade to the New York Knicks, before committing to start the 2025-26 campaign in Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo is expected to miss several weeks with a right calf strain suffered in a Jan. 24 loss to the Denver Nuggets. He also sat out earlier stretches with groin and calf issues, and the Bucks are 3-12 in the 15 games he has missed this season.
Statistical impact
The 10-time All-Star is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 29.2 minutes while shooting 64.5 percent from the field, the highest rate ever for a player scoring at least 25 points per game. Milwaukee is 15 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court, yet ranks 23rd in both offensive and defensive efficiency overall.
Franchise crossroads
Internally, months of discussions between Antetokounmpo, his agent Alex Saratsis and team leadership have created tension in the locker room and uncertainty among fans. The Bucks have explored buying at the deadline but have been hesitant to part with their lone tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032) without clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future. Forwards Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma have been the primary names circulated in trade talks.
Draft-night flexibility could improve in June, when Milwaukee will control its own 2026 pick along with 2031 and 2033 selections, giving the front office additional options if Antetokounmpo remains on the roster past the deadline.
Antetokounmpo, drafted 15th overall in 2013, leads the franchise in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and games played, and delivered Milwaukee’s first championship in 50 years during the 2021 postseason.
The next nine days will determine whether that historic run continues into the spring or ends with one of the league’s most coveted stars relocating for the first time in his NBA career.
Source: ESPN
