Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it known that he is open to a move from the Milwaukee Bucks either before the trade deadline or this offseason.
While the Bucks plan to be patient, signals from around the league suggest they are more willing than ever to trade their franchise star.
Milwaukee is looking for a young player with a big chip, a significant amount of draft picks, or both. Waiting until June could improve their returns, as the Bucks would have more flexibility at that point to move multiple first-round picks.
Antetokounmpo has been telling the organization for months that he believes the time is right to part ways, especially now that he’s eligible for a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on Oct. 1.
He is also expected to miss several weeks due to a right calf strain.
The Bucks entered the season hoping to compete in the Eastern Conference after giving up Damian Lillard and trading up to sign Myles Turner to a four-year, $108 million deal.
The player expressed doubts about that direction and even expressed interest in a possible move to the New York Knicks, though he ultimately recommitted to trying to make things work in Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo has consistently said he loves both the city and the franchise, but ongoing discussions between him, his agent Alex Saratsis and GM Jon Horst have focused on whether his best long-term fit is in Milwaukee or elsewhere.
Despite the uncertainty, the Bucks have continued to operate as buyers, with limited draft capital now but expanded options in June.
Antetokounmpo, who led Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA title, remains at the center of every decision.
Giannis Antetokounmpo communicates that he is ready to leave money https://t.co/MA19oSBh7O
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 28, 2026
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