Giannis Antetokounmpo’s days with the Milwaukee Bucks might be numbered as the NBA trade deadline approaches for the 2025-26 season. Which teams would have the best chance at landing him and keeping him for the long term? One insider revealed two squads in the mix, one from the Eastern Conference and one from the Western Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Preferred Destinations Emerge Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline
Antetokounmpo has been with the Bucks for 13 seasons and counting, earning 10 All-Star selections and leading the franchise to a championship in 2021.
However, the Bucks have suffered a significant decline since their title run. They have suffered three consecutive first-round exits, prompting frustration for Antetokounmpo, who might be preparing for his next chapter in the league.
NBA insider Marc Stein made a Feb. 3 appearance on the “All NBA” podcast. It was there that he discussed Antetokounmpo’s interest in teams he would like to play for if the Bucks traded him.
The two teams he named were the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves, explaining why they stand out instead of the likes of the Golden State Warriors.
“The focus has been on the Miamis, and Minnesotas because those are believed to be teams Giannis would like to end up with. Golden State was described as one of those team for a half decade but there has been some questions, and rumbles lately if Giannis is still armored with the idea of teaming up with the Warriors as he once was 4-5 years ago and there is some active skepticism about that, that he doesn’t see the Warriors as a landing spot,” Stein said.
The Miami Heat and Timberwolves appear to be the two teams Giannis would like to end up with, per @TheSteinLine
“The focus has been on the Miamis, and Minnesota’s because those are believed to be teams Giannis would like to end up with. Golden State was described as one of… pic.twitter.com/l0317TJjpt
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 3, 2026
Antetokounmpo Still Dominant Amid Bucks’ Struggles
Antetokounmpo continues to dominate as one of the best players in the entire league. However, he must recover from his latest injury while he awaits the Bucks’ next decision on his future with the franchise.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game throughout 30 appearances. He is shooting 64.5% from the field, including 39.5% from beyond the arc, and 65.8% from the free-throw line.
Milwaukee has an 18-29 record on the season, holding the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 5.5 games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards. However, they trail the Charlotte Hornets by three games and the Atlanta Hawks by four games.
Going through five consecutive losses, the Bucks will hope to return to the win column in their next matchup. They begin a three-game homestand by hosting the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. ET, the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. ET, and the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. ET.
