The Milwaukee Bucks are remaining firm with their decision to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo on their roster. Rumors had circulated about the possibility of Antetokounmpo requesting a trade, given the team’s struggles this season.
Milwaukee has consistently denied those reports and recently stated it has no intention of considering offers from other teams for its star forward
With that in mind, the Bucks are now expected to pursue five veteran players in an effort to keep Antetokounmpo satisfied with the organization.
Bucks Targeting Five Veterans to Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo Happy
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Bucks will do everything they can to convince Antetokounmpo to stick around in Milwaukee. To do so, the front office plans on pursuing one of five veterans.
These veterans are Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant, Andrew Wiggins, Marcus Smart, and Dejounte Murray.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are doing everything in their power to convince Giannis to stay and have expressed interest in Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant, as well as players like Andrew Wiggins, Marcus Smart, and Dejounte Murray in the past,” as per Fischer.
The Milwaukee Bucks are doing everything in their power to convince Giannis to stay and have expressed interest in Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant, as well as players like Andrew Wiggins, Marcus Smart, and Dejounte Murray in the past, per @JakeLFischer
“One rival general manager I… pic.twitter.com/fFZLFpgV4C
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 16, 2025
LaVine appears to be the frontrunner as the Bucks’ trade target this season. Given Milwaukee’s current roster construction, adding a player of LaVine’s caliber would help address the team’s shortage of wings.
“That’s the type of player who seemingly makes the most sense for Milwaukee to chase,” Fischer said. “They’re thin on the wing between Antetokounmpo (when healthy) and Myles Turner and the Bucks’ young backcourt. The team’s lack of available draft capital, furthermore, means that its only likely avenue to acquiring a difference-maker during the season is by taking on a contract, like LaVine’s, that most teams consider too pricey.”
For now, the Milwaukee Bucks must focus on salvaging the remainder of their season while determining how best to reshape the roster. Antetokounmpo is anticipated to return by the end of the year, providing momentum as the team enters 2026. The Bucks, however, remain cautious with his recovery, leaving open the possibility of a later return.
Regardless of the timeline, Milwaukee needs its star forward back on the court soon, particularly as the team risks falling out of the top 10 in the Eastern Conference standings.
