Bucks Retain Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo Ahead of Trade Deadline

Milwaukee franchise focused on long-term future with two-time MVP

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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In the final 48 hours before the NBA trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks signaled to rival teams that they had no intention of trading away superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite receiving aggressive offers, the Bucks never felt compelled to part ways with the two-time MVP and instead decided to revisit contract discussions with Antetokounmpo in the offseason.

Why it matters

Retaining Giannis Antetokounmpo is crucial for the Bucks' long-term championship aspirations. As one of the league's elite players, Antetokounmpo's presence is vital to the team's success, and the Bucks were unwilling to jeopardize their future by trading him away at the deadline.

The details

In the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline, the Bucks received numerous offers from rival teams looking to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the Bucks never felt compelled to pull the trigger on a deal, instead signaling to other franchises that they planned to keep Antetokounmpo and revisit contract discussions with the two-time MVP in the offseason.

  • The Bucks received aggressive trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final 48 hours before the NBA trade deadline.
  • The Bucks decided to retain Antetokounmpo and revisit contract discussions with him in the offseason.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and one of the league's elite players, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Bucks' roster and their long-term championship aspirations.

Milwaukee Bucks

The NBA franchise based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that was unwilling to trade away their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, instead focusing on retaining him for the long-term.

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What’s next

The Bucks will revisit contract discussions with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason, with the goal of securing the two-time MVP's long-term commitment to the franchise.

The takeaway

The Bucks' decision to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline underscores their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around the superstar. This move signals the franchise's belief that Antetokounmpo is the key to their long-term success and that they are willing to do what it takes to keep him in Milwaukee.