Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of basketball's biggest stars, is ready to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, and the team is now willing to listen to offers from other franchises. The development marks a significant shift in a relationship that has lasted more than 12 years, with the two-time MVP making clear to the Bucks organization over recent months that he believes it is time to part ways.
Multiple teams have already begun making what league sources describe as aggressive offers for the 30-year-old forward, sensing that Milwaukee's long-standing resistance to trading their franchise player may finally be weakening. The New York Knicks and Miami Heat are among the teams actively pursuing discussions about a potential deal.
Background
Antetokounmpo arrived in Milwaukee in 2013 as the 15th overall pick in the NBA draft. Over the following 13 seasons, he transformed the Bucks from a struggling franchise into a championship contender, winning two MVP awards and leading the team to the 2021 NBA title. His loyalty to the organization became legendary in a league where star players frequently demand trades to bigger markets.
But the relationship has grown strained this season. The Bucks have stumbled to an 18-27 record, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo has averaged 28 points and 10 rebounds through 30 games, putting up elite numbers even as his team struggles around him. The frustration has become visible. He has criticized teammates for selfish play and expressed disappointment with the team's overall direction and performance.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Antetokounmpo has been communicating his desire for change to the Bucks organization for several months. While he has publicly denied requesting a trade, calling such a move "not in his character," his actions and words paint a picture of a player ready for a fresh start.
Key Details
What teams are interested
The Knicks have emerged as Antetokounmpo's preferred destination. New York has reportedly had conceptual talks with Milwaukee about a potential deal dating back to last summer. However, the Knicks face a significant obstacle: they lack the draft picks and young talent that the Bucks are demanding in return. The franchise is also operating near the league's hard salary cap, which limits their ability to take on Antetokounmpo's $54.1 million salary.
The Heat have also positioned themselves as serious suitors. A potential package centered around Tyler Herro and Kel'el Ware, along with draft picks, has been discussed as a possible framework for negotiations.
The timeline question
While the February 5 trade deadline is less than a week away, most league observers believe any deal involving Antetokounmpo is more likely to happen during the offseason. The Bucks have communicated to interested teams that they are not rushing into a decision and are willing to wait until summer if they do not receive an offer that meets their asking price: an elite young prospect and multiple draft picks.
Several factors support waiting until June. More teams will have greater salary cap flexibility and additional draft assets to offer. The Bucks also do not control their own draft picks through 2031, which complicates their ability to rebuild around a younger core.
Another complication is Antetokounmpo's current injury. He is sidelined with a calf strain, and while the Bucks have not provided a return timeline, he has indicated recovery could take four to six weeks. Any team acquiring him before the deadline would be taking on significant injury risk during a critical stretch of the season.
The use question
Antetokounmpo holds considerable power in these negotiations. His contract expires in the summer of 2027, meaning he can become a free agent in roughly 18 months. If he signals to a potential trade partner that he will not re-sign, it substantially reduces what teams are willing to offer. The Bucks face a difficult choice: trade him now for whatever they can get, or risk losing him for nothing if he decides not to accept the four-year supermax extension the team can offer starting in October.
"The situation is complex with many variables, and it seems more likely to unfold in the offseason if it occurs at all, yet the Bucks are currently open to proposals," according to reporting on the matter.
What This Means
The Bucks organization faces one of the biggest decisions in franchise history. Keeping Antetokounmpo means committing significant resources to building a championship team around an aging star with a history of leg injuries. Trading him means accepting that the 2021 championship window has closed and betting on a rebuild.
For Antetokounmpo, the path forward remains uncertain. His preferred destination, New York, may not be able to assemble a package that satisfies Milwaukee's demands. Other interested teams face their own salary cap and roster constraints. The next week will likely bring more clarity, though the real drama may unfold when teams have more flexibility to maneuver in the coming months.
What is clear is that the Bucks' 13-year partnership with their franchise cornerstone is entering its final chapter. Whether that chapter ends this week or this summer, the basketball world is watching closely.
