The Giannis Antetokounmpo soap opera is coming to an end, at least for this season. After weeks of intense speculation, the Milwaukee Bucks have informed other NBA franchises that they are retaining their double MVP until the deadline, according to information from Shams Charania ofESPN.
This decision puts an end to the persistent rumors that have agitated the league for several months. The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves were among the teams most interested in the Greek Freak’s services.
A strategic choice for Milwaukee
According to Jamal Collier ofESPNthe Bucks felt no pressure to trade their franchise player: “The Bucks are not feeling the pressure to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this Thursday, team sources told ESPN a few hours before the deadline. Rival executives have become skeptical over the past 24 hours that the Bucks are truly willing to trade their star after more than 12 seasons together. »
Jake Fischer even reported that a team executive told him that the Bucks were not “never serious” regarding an Antetokounmpo trade during this deadline.
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
Movements on the periphery
Despite retaining their star, Milwaukee did not remain inactive. The Bucks immediately made a trade, sending Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Phoenix Suns for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis. Anthony, signed for $13 million this summer, was averaging just 15.1 minutes per game this season.
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The future remains uncertain
If Giannis remains in Milwaukee for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, his long-term future remains unclear. The 31-year-old, under contract until 2027, will be eligible for an extension on October 1. This situation could relaunch discussions during the next offseason, particularly with the Los Angeles Lakers who already seem to be showing interest.
The Bucks, currently 12th in the East and three wins behind the Chicago Bulls for 10th place, now hope to be able to convince their superstar to stay by building a more competitive project around him.
