Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the center of trade talks since the offseason. The talks became subtle at the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. However, trade conversations started to reemerge after the Bucks showed signs of struggle. With a 10-15 record, Milwaukee’s chances of making the playoffs appear to be diminishing.
The trade rumors have linked Antetokounmpo to teams like the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Since the discussions have been the biggest topic for the Bucks, their locker room has been affected. Shams Charania of ESPN discussed the rumors that the team’s camp was experiencing stress and anxiety during the trade negotiations.
Charania talked about it on Tuesday’s episode of “NBA Today.” The league insider also discussed how the team’s slow start to the season contributed to the spark of the rumors.
“Wins and losses, that’s the nature of the business right now in Milwaukee,” Charania said. “Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to play and compete for a second NBA championship. This is a Bucks team right now that’s playing and competing for a back-end Play In Tournament slot. They’re 10-15 right now.”
The Bucks locker room is starting to feel the tension between Giannis and the team, per @ShamsCharania
(h/t @NBA__Courtside )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 9, 2025
“Conversations are active and open as of last week between Giannis’ side, his agent Alex Saratsis, and the Milwaukee Bucks,” he added. “And my understanding is that the locker room can also feel the tension at play here. And the harder dialogue that could occur how this team shapes up.”
“Should the Bucks’ slide continue, sources said discussions between Antetokounmpo’s representation and the franchise will escalate and lead to a resolution before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.”
Antetokounmpo is the lone star in Milwaukee. Being the only star player has made it difficult for him to do everything to keep things afloat for the Bucks.
The Lakers inquired about a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Lou Canellis of Fox32 Chicago, the Los Angeles Lakers have inquired about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability in the trade market. Additionally, the insider revealed that even five-time All-Star Luka Doncic reached out to ask about the Milwaukee Bucks star.
“I can tell you that the Lakers inquired and Luka Doncic himself inquired, trying to see if the Lakers could work out a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks,” Canellis said (Timestamp: 9:46). “Now remember, Giannis wants to leave because he wants to win.”
The Lakers can include Austin Reaves in a deal even though they don’t have enough assets for a possible trade with the Bucks. Reaves is averaging career-highs of 28.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
