The trade buzz surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo continues as the 2025-26Â NBA trade window heads to a close. Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Milwaukee Bucks were open to fielding potential suitors for their franchise player.
At the other end, team head coach Doc Rivers added to the drama on ESPN’s NBA Countdown that the ‘Greek Freak wants to remain in Milwaukee. The latest sees league insider Shams Charania drop intel on the trade talks and the suitors in the mix.
Shams Charania Says Bucks Have ‘Engaged’ With Interested Teams About Giannis Antetokounmpo
Speaking on the Milwaukee Bucks-Giannis Antetokounmpo move, Charania revealed the major developments.
“Over the weekend, the Bucks remained engaged with teams that have interest, given aggressive proposals,” Charania told SportsCenter. “My understanding is they’ve submitted counteroffers to those aggressive proposals. The Heat, Timberwolves, Warriors, and Knicks have been the most serious suitors for Giannis, but it all comes down to the price point for him.”
Shams on the Giannis trade talks:
“Over the weekend, the Bucks remained engaged with teams that have interest, given aggressive proposals. My understanding is they’ve submitted counteroffers to those aggressive proposals as well” pic.twitter.com/IGdJAkR46J
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 2, 2026
He added that the Miami Heat and New York Knicks in the East were interested parties in the West. The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors were also labeled “serious suitors” for Antetokounmpo.
“But it all comes down to the price point for him, a young player and/or a surplus of draft picks,” the ESPN insider added.
“So, who meets that mark between now and the next four days up until the NBA trade deadline? And the Bucks have to manage the risk and reward. Whether you do a deal now or you wait for the offseason when Giannis only has one year left, that gives him even more control to figure out and dictate his future in the offseason.”
It won’t be a surprise that the Bucks would probably demand young players and a slew of picks for their superstar player. A huge ask would mean retooling the roster for interested parties, but the bigger picture would be having a powerhouse such as Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks are struggling with an 18-29 record and placed 12th in the East. Their latest setback came in the form of a 107-79 drubbing at the hands of the Boston Celtics. Antetokounmpo missed the matchup as he continues to recover from his calf injury against the Denver Nuggets. There is no established timeline for his return.
It has been a torrid run for Milwaukee in the forward’s absence, winning just three of their 17 games without him. They won 15 games when Antetokounmpo suited up. At the time of writing, he averages 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks while shooting 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from the three-point line.
Only time will tell if Antetokounmpo finds a new home before the deadline or if he will see the season out as a Buck.
