The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chatter has died down for now. The Greek sensation has been with the franchise for his entire NBA career and has asserted multiple times that he wants to stay in Milwaukee. A new report now indicates that the Milwaukee Bucks may be willing to change their entire plan if it means keeping Antetokounmpo happy.
ESPN’s Report Reveals Milwaukee Bucks’ Plans for Giannis Antetokounmpo
In a Feb. 9 report from ESPN’s Jamal Collier, a Western Conference executive made it clear that every major decision in Milwaukee revolves around the two-time MVP.
According to the executive, the Bucks might be better off focusing on securing a high draft pick, but that plan could quickly be thrown out if the two-time NBA MVP wants to keep pushing for wins.
“Everything they do is in service of Antetokounmpo,” Collier wrote. “It will absolutely be in their best interest to play for a draft pick, but if Giannis wants to try and make the play-in, they’ll try to make the play-in.”
Collier’s take says a lot about where the Bucks stand right now. Despite constant trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo throughout the season, the Bucks never seriously entertained moving him.
The Bucks held onto the 10-time NBA All-Star through the trade deadline, even as outside noise grew louder. At the same time, the Greek sensation has publicly stated his desire to stay in Milwaukee.
“I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career,” Antetokounmpo said earlier this season. “I want to win here, another championship.”
Giannis already has one NBA title with the Bucks, but his hunger for another ring has not faded. Over the years, Milwaukee has made aggressive moves to try to keep a competitive roster around him.
The most recent example came when the Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s remaining $113 million contract over five seasons in order to create salary cap space to bring in center Myles Turner.
Those kinds of moves show just how far the franchise is willing to go to build around its superstar.
Still, the season has not gone as planned. The Bucks sit at 21–30 and have struggled to find consistency. Their momentum stalled in their most recent game against the Orlando Magic, which followed a brief three-game winning streak. Overall, the year has been a disappointment compared to expectations.
MORE: Cam Thomas Makes ‘Hopeful’ Admission About Giannis Antetokounmpo After Signing With Bucks
Injuries have played a major role. Antetokounmpo has missed 21 games of the season due to lingering injury issues, including a right calf strain.
Without him, the Bucks have gone just 6–15, highlighting how important he is to the team’s success. There is optimism that Antetokounmpo could return shortly after the All-Star break, possibly on Feb. 20, which would be Milwaukee’s first game back.
Looking ahead, there is still uncertainty around the 6’11” forward. Antetokounmpo’s contract runs through the 2027 season, and he is set to become a free agent in 2028.
While trade talk has cooled for now, the possibility of him being moved in a future offseason has not completely disappeared. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to keep a close eye on his situation.
