Bucks Remain Firm on Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Price

Milwaukee not rushing to move star ahead of trade deadline

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:23pm

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The Milwaukee Bucks have indicated to interested teams that they are not in a rush to trade superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo before the February 5th trade deadline. While Antetokounmpo reportedly requested a trade earlier this season, the Bucks are holding firm on their asking price of a "blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks" and are willing to wait until the offseason to complete a deal if that price point is not met.

Why it matters

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's premier players, and his potential departure from the Bucks would have major implications for the league's competitive landscape. The Bucks' stance on trade demands could impact how other star players and teams approach contract negotiations and trade requests in the future.

The details

According to ESPN, the Bucks have conveyed to interested teams that they are "more open than ever" to Antetokounmpo trade offers, but they are not willing to move the two-time MVP for anything less than their desired return. The report also notes that the "uncertainty around Antetokounmpo has led to tension in the locker room and an uneasy environment" for the struggling Bucks, who currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.

  • Antetokounmpo reportedly requested a trade before the start of the current NBA season.
  • The NBA trade deadline is set for February 5, 2026.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and one of the league's premier superstars, currently playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks

An NBA franchise based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that has built its team around Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“Multiple teams have received a sense that the Bucks are more open than ever to Antetokounmpo offers between now and the deadline, league sources said.”

— Shams Charania, Jamal Collier and Bobby Marks, ESPN reporters

“However, Milwaukee has indicated to interested teams that the organization is not in a rush to complete a move and is willing to navigate Antetokounmpo's future in the offseason if its believed price point of a blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks isn't met.”

— Shams Charania, Jamal Collier and Bobby Marks, ESPN reporters

What’s next

The Bucks will continue to field trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo leading up to the February 5th deadline, but they appear willing to wait until the offseason to complete a deal if their asking price is not met.

The takeaway

The Bucks' firm stance on Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade value could set a precedent for how other NBA teams handle star player trade requests in the future, as they demonstrate a willingness to hold out for their desired return rather than settling for less.