Timberwolves Push Hard for Giannis as Bucks Counter Trade Offers

The Minnesota Timberwolves want Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. They are talking to other teams to make a deal happen before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, February 5, 2026. This comes as the Bucks send back counteroffers to teams trying to get their star player, who has told the team he wants to leave after more than 12 years there.

Background

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been with the Bucks his whole career. He is a two-time MVP and one of the best players in the league. This season, he has played 30 games. He averages 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He shoots 64% from the field. Right now, he is out with a right calf injury. He expects to miss four to six weeks.

The Bucks used to say no to any trade talks for Giannis. That has changed. They are now listening to offers. Teams have made strong bids. The Bucks are pushing back with their own ideas on what they want in return. This shift happened in the last few days. The deadline is three days away. Giannis has made it clear to the Bucks that he thinks it is time to move on.

Talks about Giannis go back to last summer. Some teams started calling then. The Bucks did not engage much at first. Now, with the deadline close, things are moving faster. The Bucks have few draft picks to trade right now. They only have one first-round pick in 2026. That changes in the offseason when they get more.

Key Details

Four teams are in the mix for Giannis: the Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves are the most active. They are reaching out to third and fourth teams to help put together a package. Minnesota wants to land the star before Thursday.

Timberwolves' Plan

The Wolves see Giannis as a way to boost their Western Conference push. They have players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. Adding Giannis could make them a top team. To get him, they need to match salary and offer players the Bucks like. Minnesota is pulling in other teams to make the money work and add picks or young talent.

Other Offers

The Knicks have talked about Giannis since summer. They could send players like Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride. They also have Karl-Anthony Towns now. But New York lacks draft picks. Their only tradable first is top-eight protected from the Wizards. It might not even turn into a first-rounder.

Miami Heat are interested too. They could offer Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, and Kel'el Ware. Plus future picks like 2029 and 2031 firsts. The Heat have limits on picks because of past trades. They share an agent with Bam Adebayo, who plays for Miami.

Other ideas float around. The Warriors might join. Some mock trades include the Cavaliers sending Evan Mobley. Or the 76ers with a high draft pick and Paul George, who is suspended. The Bulls and Nets come up in talks too. No deal is close yet.

The Bucks want young players and draft picks. They aim to rebuild if they trade Giannis. His injury might make them wait for summer. That way, they keep their lottery spot for a high 2026 pick.

"The Timberwolves are recruiting third and fourth teams in hopes of landing the two-time MVP." – League sources

What This Means

A Giannis trade would shake up the NBA. It could send Milwaukee into rebuild mode. They might tank for draft position. Trading now lets a new team offer him a max extension in October. Waiting until summer delays that by six months.

For buyers, landing Giannis means title hopes. The Timberwolves could pair him with their core for a West run. Knicks would get a superstar next to Jalen Brunson. Heat add him to Jimmy Butler and Adebayo. Warriors bring him with Stephen Curry.

Salary rules make deals hard. Teams over the luxury tax apron face limits. Trades need exact matches. Multi-team deals help. The Stepien rule blocks some pick swaps too.

If no deal by Thursday, talks continue into summer. Bucks gain more picks then. Giannis stays sidelined. His calf issue removes pressure to trade now. Teams watch his health and the Bucks' stance.

League watchers expect action. Bucks never shopped Giannis like this before. Offers show his value. Counteroffers mean they see real paths. Minnesota leads the pack. The next 72 hours decide if Giannis packs his bags.