Milwaukee Bucks submit counteroffers for Giannis Antetokounmpo as trade deadline approaches
Trade negotiations - With just three days remaining before the NBA trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks have shifted from merely listening to offers for their franchise superstar to actively engaging with multiple teams, submitting counteroffers to aggressive proposals from serious suitors.
Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks from the court following the game against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are no longer just listening to trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, the franchise has taken a significant step forward in potential trade negotiations, actively countering proposals from teams pursuing the two-time MVP.
« Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear to those that need to know in the Milwaukee organization that he’s ready to move on from them and he’s ready for his exit, whether it’s at the deadline or in the offseason, » Charania reported. « And over the weekend, the Bucks remain engaged with NBA teams that have interest, that have given aggressive proposals. My understanding is they’ve submitted counteroffers to those aggressive proposals as well. »
Stats 2025-2026 / NBA
PTS
28
#8
REB
10
#14
PD
5,6
#34
Four teams emerge as serious contenders
The Heat, Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks have positioned themselves as the most active suitors in the race for Antetokounmpo. These franchises represent the strongest competition for what could become a league-altering trade before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline.
Having been resistant to trading Antetokounmpo throughout his 12-plus years in Milwaukee, the Bucks‘ willingness to submit counteroffers marks a dramatic shift in their approach. The organization is seeking a young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks in exchange for their franchise cornerstone.
« It all comes down to the price point for him, a young player and/or a surplus of draft picks, » Charania explained. « So who meets that mark between now and the next four days up until the NBA trade deadline? And the Bucks have to manage the risk and reward. »
The timing of these negotiations comes as Milwaukee’s season continues to deteriorate. After Sunday’s blowout loss to the Boston Celtics, the Bucks sit at 18-29, occupying 12th place in the Eastern Conference and riding a five-game losing streak. The team finds itself 2.5 games behind the 11th seed and four games behind the 10th seed.
Antetokounmpo’s current injury situation adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations. The superstar is sidelined with a right calf injury that he estimated would keep him out for four to six weeks, though the Bucks have not released an official timeline for his return.
Despite the swirling trade rumors, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers maintained optimism about retaining his star player. « He wants to be a Buck, he loves the city and that’s all I can go by as a coach right now, » Rivers said on ESPN‘s NBA Countdown. « I think everyone will be here. »
In 30 games this season, Antetokounmpo has averaged 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 64.7 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range.
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Sylvain Sultat suit la NBA au quotidien, entre performances individuelles, dynamiques collectives et grandes histoires de la ligue. Sur BeBasket, il décrypte l’actualité américaine avec passion et régularité, toujours à l’affût des tendances qui font bouger le monde du basket.
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