Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo 'ready to be dealt' by Bucks ahead of Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks has been in great debate for some time now. Evidently, his time in the Cream City could be coming to an end ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo has made it known he’s ready to be dealt by the Bucks: “Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason as several rival teams make aggressive offers to the Milwaukee Bucks for him, and the franchise is starting to listen, league sources tell ESPN.”

Moreover, Charania noted that multiple teams around the league have sensed a shift in Milwaukee’s posture. The franchise is now more open to conversations involving its two-time MVP.

That said, sources indicated the Bucks are not under pressure to rush a deal. They’re maintaining a high asking price centered around a blue-chip young player and/or a significant haul of draft picks.

Milwaukee is also open to waiting until the offseason, as Charania posted on X, formerly Twitter. That’s when more teams could potentially present stronger draft assets following the NBA Draft lottery.

Alas, the timing aligns with a difficult season for the Bucks, who currently sit at 18-27 and 12th in the Eastern Conference. With championship contention no longer realistic, Milwaukee faces major questions about its long-term direction.

Those uncertainties have led to what sources describe as “open and honest conversations” between Antetokounmpo and the organization. Milwaukee is also currently positioned to hold a lottery pick, owning the less favorable of its own selection and one from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Contractually, the situation is complex. Antetokounmpo, who turns 31 this year, becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on Oct. 1. If he declines that route, he could become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027 by opting out of a $62.8 million player option.

With next season effectively functioning as an expiring year, Antetokounmpo’s leverage over his future destination continues to grow. When asked on Jan. 19 whether he was confident he would remain in Milwaukee through the season, Antetokounmpo was noncommittal: “I don’t know. I don’t know. I take it day by day,” he said.

His frustration has also shown on the court. Following a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Antetokounmpo delivered a blunt assessment of the Bucks’ struggles. He cited a lack of effort, chemistry and unselfish play.

With the deadline approaching and rival teams circling, the NBA now appears closer than ever to the possibility of one of the most seismic trades in league history. One that could officially close the book on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s era in Milwaukee.