By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks are apparently focusing on strengthening the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has been constantly rejecting any sort of trade request. However, teams all around the NBA are still expecting the former NBA champion to become available.
The latest update on this peculiar situation featured the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks retaining trade assets for a possible deal with the Bucks before the upcoming deadline on February 5 or to even help them in the same direction during the offseason, as reported by NBA insider Zach Lowe.
Obviously, these teams are not convinced about a long-term future for the Athens native in Milwaukee, and instead expect him to request a trade sooner rather than later.
All five named teams are among those already linked to Giannis in the past, placing them in a similar position ahead of the offseason. This trend gradually extending into this summer, following the 2025-26 season, is also having a strong effect on other trade talks around the league, with potential suitors hesitating to use assets on remaining available options.
At 17-24, the Bucks rank 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, 1.5 games away from the lowest seed in the Play-In zone, and 4.5 games away from a direct ticket to the Playoffs 2026. The underperformance of the team coached by Doc Rivers so far in the Regular Season certainly helps preserve trade rumors.
In his 13th season since joining the Bucks as the 15th overall draft pick in 2013, Giannis has averaged 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest over 27 appearances.