Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be traded unless he requests to be moved

The Milwaukee Bucks they may have taken their stand trading superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo clearly after the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline.

Antetokounmpo kept seeing his name in trade rumors, presenting a scenario for his long tenure with the Bucks coming to an end. Considering Milwaukee’s underachievement since winning the title in 2021, one would think he would want a change of scenery to return to championship heights.

However, NBA insider Brett Siegel provided some intriguing insight into the situation during his Feb. 5 appearance on Clutch Scoops. He mentioned how the franchise is he had no interest in moving it before the deadline, believing that would only happen if Antetokounmpo eventually wanted out.

“The Bucks weren’t really interested in moving him … So the Warriors pivoted quickly … They just wanted to see how much value there was. They wanted to see what teams were willing to give up … It doesn’t look like he’s going to ask … There was never any real indication that he was going to be traded … Until he actually asked to move him … They didn’t,” Siegel said.

What’s next for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

It’s clear that the Bucks will try to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo as long as possible. Until he decides to be the one to demand a trade, Milwaukee will continue to control his future as a franchise star.

Despite earning an All-Star selection, Antetokounmpo will not be available for the festivities. He is recovering from a calf strain that has sidelined him since Jan. 23, as Milwaukee will be very cautious about his recovery process. In the 30 games he has participated in so far this season, he is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

Milwaukee has a record of 20-29 and is ranked 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. They are seven games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets and 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 prepare for the upcoming matchup. They wrap up a three-game homestand as they host the Indiana Pacers on February 6th at 8pm ET.