Many rival executives around the league believe the Milwaukee Bucks are unlikely to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo until the final hours before Thursday’s deadline, and some teams are preparing for the possibility of a deal not happening until the offseason, according to ESPN sources.
“I’m just not sure why it wouldn’t make sense to wait,” said one scout from the East. ‘They can see where the draft is [lottery] is, and then explore their options.
Milwaukee has started openly listening to offers for Antetokounmpo, but general manager Jon Horst has also made it clear there is no urgency to complete a trade.
Early interest is reportedly coming from the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat and New York Knicks, while the Los Angeles Lakers are seen as a team that could put together a stronger package in the summer.
Several factors support the idea of waiting until the off-season.
Antetokounmpo is sidelined for several weeks with a calf injury, so any acquiring team would immediately lose players without immediately reaching his production.
More draft picks will become tradable in June, and the Bucks would also know the results of the 2026 draft lottery.
Additionally, teams that are eliminated from the playoffs early may become more aggressive bidders, and blockbuster trades are generally easier to structure in the offseason, when roster restrictions are looser.
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade unlikely until Thursday’s deadline, could wait summer https://t.co/kf2ijMaBmE
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 30, 2026
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