Giannis Antetokounmpo has seen his name be covered in trade rumors throughout the course of the 2025-26Â NBA campaign, placing his future with the Milwaukee Bucks into question.
As the Feb. 5 trade deadline at 3 pm ETÂ approached, one NBA insider provided a major update on Antetokounmpo’s current standing with the franchise.
What Is the Latest Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Trade Saga?
Antetokounmpo has been with the Bucks for 13 seasons and counting, keeping the franchise relevant for an extended period.
He transformed into one of the best players in the entire league, winning back-to-back MVP Awards in 2019 and 2020. The Bucks superstar continued this momentum, finally leading Milwaukee to the mountaintop after beating the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals to gift the organization its first title since 1971.
However, that title run now seems far with how much Milwaukee has declined. As the core aged, the Bucks lost in the 2022 East Semis and have since suffered three consecutive first-round playoff exits. Even though the front office made moves to keep giving Antetokounmpo a chance to make a deep run, injuries and inconsistent play have limited their potential and lowered their ceiling.
As a result, Antetokounmpo has been floating the idea of finding a better situation, whether in Milwaukee or elsewhere. This led to trade rumors surrounding him throughout the season, with teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat considered favorites to land him.
However, NBA insider Shams Charania, who has been active with his reporting on the situation, provided a major update ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday.
“The Milwaukee Bucks have indicated to teams that they are keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo through the trade deadline and will start making other trades, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote.
The Milwaukee Bucks have indicated to teams that they are keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo through the trade deadline and will start making other trades, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
League insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line also had intel on recent events, revealing a quote from a team executive about how Milwaukee treated the trade offers for Antetokounmpo.
“They were never serious,” said one team executive who was discussing a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade with Milwaukee.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 5, 2026
“‘They were never serious,’ said one team executive who was discussing a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade with Milwaukee,” Fischer added.
What Lies Ahead for Antetokounmpo and Bucks?
It’s clear that the 2026 offseason will be the teams’ best chance to pursue Antetokounmpo and land him onto their respective roster. However, it will take a significant package for the Bucks to finally move on from their franchise star.
Milwaukee has a 20-29 record on the season, sitting in 12th place of the Eastern Conference standings. They are seven games above the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards. However, they trail the Charlotte Hornets by two games and the Chicago Bulls by three games.
The Bucks will move on after the deadline and gear up for preparations for their upcoming matchup. They conclude a three-game homestand as they host the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 6 at 8 pm ET.
