Bucks take Giannis off the desk as NBA commerce deadline approaches

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After months of hypothesis, we now know the place Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely be – not less than via the top of the 2025-26 season.

In line with ESPN, the Bucks have knowledgeable different groups that they’re preserving Antetokounmpo on the roster past the NBA buying and selling deadline, which is Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET.

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This does not rule out that Milwaukee may finally commerce Antetokounmpo in the course of the offseason when potential suitors would have extra draft capital and monetary flexibility to sweeten their provides. Nevertheless it additionally opens the trail for the Bucks to attempt to make complementary strikes to persuade Antetokounmpo to decide to the franchise over the long run.

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See which NBA gamers are on the transfer at commerce deadline

Within the newest acknowledgement of a mistake made within the February 2025 Luka Dončić commerce, the Dallas Mavericks have shipped the centerpiece of their haul in that deal, massive man Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. The Wizards can even get Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. In return, Dallas will obtain Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and three second-rounders, as reported first by ESPN on Wednesday.

Antetokounmpo, 31, is signed via the top of subsequent season and has a $62.8 million participant choice for the 2027-28 season. In concept, the Bucks would need to safe Antetokounmpo’s future with a multiyear extension, but when they get any indication that he is not dedicated to signing a deal, they finally may contemplate a commerce to recoup property for a post-Giannis period.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 factors, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists per recreation, although he’s presently sidelined with a proper calf pressure and is anticipated to overlook a number of extra weeks.

Antetokounmpo has had an eventful season with the Bucks.

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Not too long ago, he booed house followers at Fiserv Discussion board after that they had booed the staff’s efficiency. Earlier within the yr, he scrubbed his social media of most mentions of the Bucks, resulting in the rampant hypothesis that he was trying to be traded.

In line with a number of studies, Antetokounmpo broached his future with Bucks administration via his representatives, however he addressed the rumors and mentioned “there’ll by no means be a second that I’ll come out and say, ‘I need a commerce.'” In mid-December, nonetheless, he didn’t rule out that his agent could be having conversations about his future with the Bucks.

Antetokounmpo has maintained that he desires to compete for a championship, however the Bucks (20-29) are languishing within the East.

“We’re not taking part in exhausting,” Antetokounmpo informed reporters Jan. 21 after a 20-point loss in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. “We’re not doing the proper factor. We’re not taking part in to win. We’re not taking part in collectively. Our chemistry isn’t there. Guys are being egocentric, making an attempt to search for their very own pictures as a substitute of searching for the proper shot for the staff. Guys making an attempt to do it on their very own.

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“At instances, I really feel like after we’re down 10, down 15, down 20, we attempt to make it up in a single play, and it isn’t going to work – we’ve simply received to maintain on chipping away, possession by possession.”

This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Giannis staying put as Bucks finish rumors earlier than NBA commerce deadline