ESPN’s Jamal Collier previously reported that the Milwaukee Bucks did not feel pressured to trade superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday.
It appears the Bucks were serious about their plans.
Teams Learn Final Decision on Giannis Antetokounmpo
On Thursday afternoon, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania shared that the Bucks told teams they would be keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo through the trade deadline and would pursue other trades instead.
“In the past week,” Charania noted, “the Bucks have been receiving calls about Giannis and looking for smaller trades. Milwaukee is still in discussions to finalize more of those trades on deadline day.”
In several interviews this week, Antetokounmpo expressed his desire to remain with the Bucks for his entire career, despite being frustrated with the team’s current situation. The Bucks, currently in 12th place, began Thursday with a record of 20-29, and there is a feeling that they are not just one offseason away from catching up with the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
According to ESPN’s “NBA Buzz,” insider Brian Windhorst mentioned during Thursday’s “Get Up” program that he believes the Bucks might deactivate Giannis and limit his play this season, as their future depends significantly on their draft pick and keeping him injury-free.
Antetokounmpo has not played since January 23 due to a calf injury. Earlier, Windhorst informed that the Minnesota Timberwolves had moved on from their pursuit of Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline. Other teams like the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat had also shown interest in him over the fall and winter.
Future Prospects for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
Giannis could become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027 if he opts out of his current contract. As noted by Collier, the two-time NBA MVP is eligible for a contract extension starting October 1.
By holding off on a trade until summer, the Bucks could attract more potential buyers for Antetokounmpo. This makes sense for a team that seemingly did not receive a compelling offer for his services before the deadline.