Two‑time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly prepared for a fresh start as the NBA trade deadline looms on Feb. 5, with several rival teams presenting “aggressive offers” to the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources told ESPN.
According to senior NBA insider Shams Charania, multiple organizations have received the sense that the Bucks are “more open than ever” to entertaining proposals for Giannis, who has spent more than 12 seasons in Milwaukee and established himself as the franchise’s star.
“Two‑time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason,” Charania reported, noting that the Bucks are starting to listen to the offers circulating around the league.
Trade Market Heating Up
Sources say that several rival teams are aggressively pursuing a potential blockbuster, driven by the belief that adding Antetokounmpo could immediately elevate their title hopes.
However, the Bucks — who currently sport an 18‑27 record and sit outside the playoff picture — have not rushed to complete a deal.
Milwaukee’s front office has signaled to interested teams that it would prefer a package centered on blue‑chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks.
If such a return isn’t forthcoming, the organization is willing to wait until the offseason to revisit the market when top picks and clearer rosters are on the table.
Giannis’ Stance and Bucks Future
Giannis — who recently suffered a right calf strain and is expected to miss several weeks — has privately told the Bucks that he feels the moment has come to explore a change after more than a decade with the franchise.
While he has denied publicly demanding a trade in the past, the dynamics of Milwaukee’s disappointing season and the aggressive pursuit from other teams have intensified speculation about his future.
What’s Next?
League insiders caution that a trade before Feb. 5 is far from guaranteed.
Salary cap complexities, protective front office strategies, and the high cost of acquiring a generational talent like Giannis mean that any deal will require careful negotiation.
Should the Bucks and contenders fail to reach an acceptable agreement by the deadline, Giannis’ next likely move could come in the offseason, when trade assets and draft positioning are clearer and teams have more flexibility to construct compelling offers.
