The Milwaukee Bucks have informed rival teams that Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain with the franchise beyond the NBA trade deadline, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania. With the 3 p.m. ET deadline approaching, Milwaukee is now shifting focus toward making alternative roster moves.
The decision follows several days of discussions with interested teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves, all of whom explored potential trade scenarios involving the two-time MVP.
Charania reported last week that Antetokounmpo has been open to a change of scenery for months, whether at the trade deadline or during the offseason. For the first time in his career, the Bucks actively listened to and even countered offers, signaling a deeper level of engagement than in previous years.
Looking ahead, Antetokounmpo could wield greater control over his future this summer. He becomes eligible for a contract extension on Oct. 1, and with a player option for the 2027–28 season, he has just one guaranteed year left on his current deal. His preferred destination for an extension could heavily influence any future trade discussions.
Despite the uncertainty, Milwaukee has not abandoned hope of continuing its run with Antetokounmpo and is actively surveying the market for roster upgrades. The Bucks have won two straight games but currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference, three games behind the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in spot.
Shortly after signaling their intent to keep Antetokounmpo, the Bucks completed a trade with the Phoenix Suns, sending Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey in exchange for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, sources told Charania.
Anthony, who signed a one-year, $13 million contract with Milwaukee in the offseason, averaged 15.1 minutes per game this season while posting a career-low 6.7 points.
