The Milwaukee Bucks are slowly coming to terms with the idea that moving Giannis Antetokounmpo could ultimately benefit both sides. Still, parting ways with their franchise cornerstone remains something the organization is reluctant to do.
NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Miami Heat continue to surface as the team most frequently linked to a potential Giannis deal ahead of the trade deadline. According to league executives, Miami is viewed as the franchise most capable of presenting an offer that could truly test Milwaukee’s resolve.
“So what team out there could actually tempt the Bucks into a deal in the next week-plus?” Stein wrote. “The most common answer when that question is posed to league executives continues to be Miami. Is that because the Heat are projecting confidence that they can somehow persuade the Bucks? Possibly. Miami, for what it’s worth, believes it has a legitimate pathway to landing Antetokounmpo.”
While Giannis remains one of the most dominant forces in the league, NBA Today insider Marc J. Spears cautioned that acquiring him comes with enormous long-term responsibility.
“Two of the GMs told me that if you’re going to trade for Giannis and give up one of those coveted picks, you better know that over the next four to five years you’re building a team that can compete for championships,” Spears said. “Otherwise, it becomes a moot point.”
Giannis famously led Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in 50 years and remains hungry to capture another title. Although his individual production remains elite, it hasn’t translated to team success this season. The Bucks sit at 18–26 and outside the playoff picture. This disappointing stretch has even led Giannis to publicly express uncertainty about his future in Milwaukee.
League Interest Continues to Grow Surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo Despite Bucks’ Resistance
Around the league, teams fully understand Giannis’ value. He is one of the most coveted names ahead of the February trade deadline. While the Bucks have shown no enthusiasm for trade discussions, Stein revealed on SiriusXM NBA Radio that interest remains strong.
“Giannis’ status is not dissuading teams,” Stein said. “I’m still hearing rumbles that there are organizations trying to push the Bucks to do this now. I don’t think the Bucks have consistently held a firm stance that they will never trade Giannis. If they reach that point, I believe they’d prefer to handle it in the summertime.”
Giannis is currently sidelined with a right calf injury and is expected to miss four to six weeks. That recovery window overlaps with the February 5 trade deadline. Hence, it led many around the league to believe the two-time MVP may have already played his final game in a Bucks uniform.
