NBA Trade Deadline Passes Without Giannis Antetokounmpo Deal
Thursday marked the end of the NBA trade deadline, and surprisingly, no agreement was reached for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It seems that Milwaukee is inclined to hold onto the two-time MVP, as they have conveyed their decision to the team, according to a source who spoke with ESPN before the afternoon deadline. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors have reportedly shown interest in potentially acquiring Antetokounmpo.
Interestingly, just last week, news surfaced that Antetokounmpo had hinted at wanting a change, either at the trade deadline or during the offseason.
Despite all the trade talk, the Bucks have not engaged in serious negotiations regarding the 10-time All-Star. However, it’s apparent that the front office has no immediate plans to pursue a deal.
After the deadline, Antetokounmpo took to social media, posting a quote saying, “Legends don’t chase, they attract.” This accompanied a memorable scene from *The Wolf of Wall Street*, highlighting his desire to remain committed to his team.
Throughout his 12-year career, Antetokounmpo has led Milwaukee to its first NBA title in five decades. Nonetheless, trade rumors have lingered around him for months. Given the Bucks’ recent performance, they currently have a 20-29 record and sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, making playoff prospects look bleak.
This season, Antetokounmpo has appeared in 30 games, averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds. However, he’s now expected to miss several weeks due to a calf injury sustained in a recent matchup against the Denver Nuggets. This setback follows previous injuries that kept him off the court for extended periods earlier in the season.
As for potential future deals, it appears that the Bucks, along with Antetokounmpo and his agent, may reconsider their options after this season. He is eligible for a contract extension come fall and holds a player option for the 2027-28 season, both of which will greatly influence his future.
While Antetokounmpo stayed put, the Bucks did make a move by acquiring Ousmane Dieng in a three-team trade involving the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN.
