Bucks Face Uncertain Timeline on Possible Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
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Rival clubs are split on whether the Milwaukee Bucks will move Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA’s February 5 trade deadline or wait until the summer, according to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Several teams speaking with Milwaukee believe the front office prefers to hold off until the offseason, when a larger market of suitors could emerge. However, Sam Amick of The Athletic reports that other franchises think a deal is more likely in the next few days, arguing that an early separation would prevent an “uncomfortable and unhealthy” atmosphere for a partnership widely expected to end.
While Antetokounmpo has not publicly demanded a trade, organizations pursuing the two-time MVP are convinced he would rather be moved before the deadline, Stein and Fischer add.
Playoff Contenders Weigh Options
The Athletic’s Amick, John Hollinger, Eric Nehm and Nick Friedell examined potential scenarios, noting that both Antetokounmpo and interested clubs benefit most from a deadline deal, whereas Milwaukee could maximize its return in the offseason.
Antetokounmpo’s list of preferred destinations remains unknown, a factor that could shape negotiations because the forward has only one guaranteed season left on his contract after 2025-26.
Warriors Viewed as Aggressive Suitor
Golden State is among four teams described as being in “strong pursuit.” The Warriors can currently send all four of their own first-round picks to Milwaukee, though the long-term value of those selections is debated, Amick notes. They also have clear paths to matching salaries.
Multiple sources told Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area that Stephen Curry is the lone untouchable in Golden State’s talks, a stance echoed by ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Jimmy Butler — sidelined for the season with a torn right ACL — has been floated as a possible salary match, but Stein and Fischer report that the Warriors are unlikely to include the All-Star wing. Both Butler and Antetokounmpo earn $54.1 million this year under maximum-salary deals.
If Butler is excluded, Draymond Green’s $25.8 million contract may be required for cap purposes. Asked about the possibility after Friday’s loss to Detroit, the former Defensive Player of the Year downplayed any concern. “I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green said, per Slater. “If I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep, though.”
With the deadline less than a week away, league executives continue to monitor Milwaukee’s next move while assessing whether an offseason bidding war or an immediate blockbuster lies ahead.
Source: Hoops Rumors
