ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that 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.”
Knicks, Heat Eyeing Giannis Antetokounmpo
Sources told ESPN that Antetokounmpo has informed the Bucks for months that “he believes the moment has come to part ways” after spending the last 12-plus years together.
Charania noted that multiple teams have received a sense that Milwaukee is “more open than ever to Antetokounmpo offers between now and the deadline.”
“The franchise is starting to listen,” Charania continued.
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. pic.twitter.com/OejatbQjDy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 28, 2026
The New York Knicks and Miami Heat are expected to be among the teams “making aggressive offers” for Antetokounmpo, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
However, Milwaukee reportedly has indicated to interested teams that it will be willing to put a deal on hold until the price point of “young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks” is met, according to Charania.
Bucks Could Trade Giannis In The Spring
The Bucks are currently slated to have a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft, possessing the less favorable of its own and the New Orleans Pelicans’ selection.
NBA insider Marc Stein also reported Sunday that there is “still no clear-cut indication that the Bucks are willing to entertain the prospect of an Antetokounmpo deal before draft time in the spring.”
In addition, Antetokounmpo is seeking a trade to a contender that would be willing to offer him a contract extension.
Giannis remains under contract through 2027-28, but he can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason if he declines his $62.8 million player option.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, starting on Oct. 1, 2026, Antetokounmpo will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season.
If moved, he’d be able to sign the same deal with another team six months after a trade.
Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf injury, and Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Monday there is “really no timetable” for his return.
The Bucks, meanwhile, sit 12th in the Eastern Conference standings at 18-27.
