Bucks Push Back on Trade Bids for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks have started sending counteroffers to teams trying to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. This comes three days before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. The two-time MVP has told the Bucks he wants to move on after more than 12 years with the team. Several teams are pushing hard for a deal.

Background

Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Bucks as a teen from Greece. He grew into one of the best players in the NBA. He won two MVP awards and led Milwaukee to a championship in 2021. The Bucks built around him with stars like Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard. But things have not gone well lately. The team sits at 18-29 this season. They lost five games in a row, including a big defeat to the Boston Celtics on Sunday. That dropped them to 12th in the East.

Antetokounmpo has missed time with a right calf injury. He expects to sit out four to six weeks. In 30 games, he averages 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He shoots 64% from the field. For months, he has let the front office know he feels it's time for a change. The Bucks held off on trades for years. Now, with the deadline close, they are talking deals.

League teams see this as a big shift for a small-market club like Milwaukee. Execs think the Bucks will trade him eventually. Some say wait until summer for better offers. Draft picks could be worth more after the lottery. The Bucks want young stars or lots of picks in return. They aim to rebuild without losing everything at once.

Key Details

The Bucks are dealing with offers from the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. These teams want Antetokounmpo to boost their chances at a title.

Warriors Lead the Chase

The Warriors are the most aggressive. Owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. say no one but Stephen Curry is off the table. They focus only on Giannis. If no deal by Thursday, they plan to hold assets for summer. Jonathan Kuminga might stay if Giannis does not come now. Draymond Green could be in a package. He might skip his $27.6 million option and return later. But some doubt that plan works with future salary caps.

Heat's Package Takes Shape

Miami has wanted Giannis for years. They offered Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Terry Rozier's expiring deal, and more. That includes a young player like Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic. They add first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, plus possible swaps. Pat Riley sees Giannis as worth going all-in. They skipped a Kevin Durant deal last summer but chase this one.

Other Suitors

The Knicks and Timberwolves are active too. Minnesota pushed hardest at first, per some reports. New York might need multi-team deals. They lack young talent and picks. Everyone knows the Bucks want blue-chip prospects or pick hauls.

"This is going to be a monumental move for a small market franchise." – NBA executive

Antetokounmpo is under contract through 2026-27. Trading now avoids him leaving for nothing next year. He won't sign an extension. Bucks resisted before but now engage. Execs say most believe he'll go. One said, "They have to trade Giannis. They can't lose him for free."

What This Means

A Giannis trade would shake up the NBA. For Milwaukee, it starts a rebuild. They get young players and picks to build around. Damian Lillard stays, but the core changes. Fans in a small city face losing their star. It hurts short-term but sets up the future.

For buyers, Giannis pairs with stars like Curry or Jimmy Butler. Warriors dream of Curry and Giannis together. Heat want another title run. But Giannis may not love all ideas. Reports say he's not as keen on Golden State as thought. He wants a winner.

No deal is done. Bucks counter because offers fall short. They seek top value. Deadline pressure builds. If nothing happens Thursday, talks shift to summer. More teams join then. Picks gain value post-lottery. Antetokounmpo sits injured, watching his future unfold.

League waits. Execs predict a move soon. Bucks balance now and later. Giannis seeks a new start. Trade talks heat up as Thursday nears. Milwaukee engages but holds firm on price. This could end his long run there.