Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors tracker: Latest news on Timberwolves, Warriors, other potential destinations for Bucks star

After months upon months of speculation and rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on the move, the Milwaukee Bucks finally appear ready to move those talks forward.

With the NBA's trade deadline quickly approaching, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Jan. 28 that Antetokounmpo is "ready for a new home," as Milwaukee is "starting to listen" to offers from other teams for its star big man.

As the Bucks have struggled throughout Antetokounmpo's injury absences this season, the chances of a franchise-altering trade have seemingly been growing. Will Antetokounmpo find a home away from Wisconsin for the first time of his star-studded career?

Here are the latest trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo.

MORE: Looking at Warriors' options after Jimmy Butler injury

Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors tracker

Trade buzz surrounding Giannis is heating up

• Date: Feb. 4
• Source: Shams Charania

Sham Charania tells ESPN that nothing has changed on Giannis' stance about wanting to find a new home; the question is whether they'll pull the trigger now or in the offseason. 

Charania also states that the Bucks' decision to keep Antetokounmpo is a direct conflict of interest, as they want to be in contention for a lottery pick. 

Antetokuonmpo on Milwaukee: 'I want to be here, but I want to be here to win’ 

• Date: Feb. 4 
• Source: Eric Nehm

In a new exclusive for The Athletic, Eric Nehm provided a rare look into Giannis Antetokounmpo’s mindset following a late-night phone conversation on Tuesday. Despite the trade whirlwind, Giannis was vocal about his loyalty to the city, questioning why anyone would want to walk away from what he has built in Milwaukee.

"On what planet, on what Earth, would somebody want to leave this?" he asked, reaffirming his desire to retire as a Buck. However, that loyalty comes with a massive caveat: the team must remain a title contender.

While he wants to win in Milwaukee, he admitted that his "prime" isn't infinite, and he’s feeling the pressure of a closing championship window.

“I want to be here, but I want to be here to win, not fighting for my life to make the playoffs,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m not used to inconsistent basketball. I’ve played so many years of consistent basketball, I am not used to it anymore."

Momentum shifting towards Bucks keeping Antetokounmpo

• Date: Feb. 4 
• Source: Brian Windhorst

During Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s "Get Up!," Brian Windhorst poured a bit of cold water on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors. Despite the looming deadline, Windhorst reported a distinct lack of momentum regarding the Bucks actually moving their franchise cornerstone.

While he noted that the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves are aggressively sweetening their packages, the New York Knicks reportedly remain on the outside looking in.

"The best standing offer that I’m aware of belongs to the Golden State Warriors, but I’m not seeing a lot of momentum towards Milwaukee making a Giannis move," Windhorst said. "It is only Wednesday, we have about a day and a half, but I think Milwaukee is seriously considering staying put."

Bucks still hopeful to keep Antetokounmpo long-term?

• Date: Feb. 4
• Source: Marc Stein

The Bucks “believe that a bolt of lottery luck in May could still keep alive Milwaukee's dream of convincing Antetokounmpo to extend the relationship one more time,” Marc Stein reports, indicating they haven’t given up hope that this partnership can continue into a 14th season and perhaps beyond.

Bucks reluctant to take on Draymond Green in Antetokounmpo deal

• Date: Feb. 4
• Source: Marc Stein

As Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks continue, the Bucks are hesitant to take on Draymond Green’s contract, which includes a $27.6 million player option for next season. Milwaukee prefers sending Green to a third team, according to Marc Stein, but his contract complicates those chances.

Warriors offer for Giannis includes Draymond Green

• Date: Feb. 3
• Source: Marc Stein

Stein adds that Golden State is also willing to trade Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and draft picks for Antetokounmpo. The Warriors remain one of the most serious suitors for the Bucks star.

Giannis' preference remains to be a Buck for life

• Date: Feb. 3
• Source: Jim Owczarski

On Tuesday, Antetokounmpo told Oxczarski  "If you ask me what do I really want, deep down in my heart? I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career and win here." So, even though he is on the trade block, Giannis' heart remains in Milwaukee.

Antetokounmpo has no interest in the Trail Blazers

• Date: Feb. 3
• Source: Marc Stein

Portland had reportedly been exploring a trade for the Bucks star, but it appears that Antetokounmpo has no interest in joining the Trail Blazers despite Damian Lillard's presence on the team.

Antetokounmpo was out on the floor ahead of the Bucks Tuesday game

• Date: Feb. 3
• Source: Eric Nehm

Antetokounmpo is dealing with a calf strain, but put up some stationary shots before Milwaukee played the Bulls on Tuesday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor during pregame tonight getting some largely stationary shots up. pic.twitter.com/rXYu0350Me

Cavaliers linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Date: Feb. 3
• Source: Brian Windhorst, ESPN

ESPN NBA analyst Brian Windhorst reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers have reached out to the Bucks about Antetokounmpo.

Giannis 'likely' to remain with Bucks past trade deadline

• Date: Feb. 3
• Source: Jake Fischer

Jake Fischer reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo "likely" will remain with the Bucks through the NBA trade deadline. Even if that is the case, Milwaukee could revisit a trade in the offseason. 

Trail Blazers emerge as potential Giannis landing spot

• Date: Feb. 2
• Source: Jake Fischer

According to Fischer, former Bucks and current Trail Blazers PG Damian Lillard is trying to recruit Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Lillard played for Milwaukee for two years before returning to Portland in the offseason, and is currently recovering from an Achilles injury.

Antetokounmpo could be turned off by older teams

• Date: Feb. 2
• Source: Jake Fischer

According to Fischer, Antetokounmpo may not want to face the same criticism that Kevin Durant dealt with when he joined the Warriors. Therefore, Antetokounmpo may not be as excited to join the Warriors and Stephen Curry as maybe he once was.

Warriors, Heat, Knicks, Timberwolves among 'serious' suitors for Antetokounmpo

• Date: Feb. 2
• Source: Shams Charania, ESPN

ESPN's Shams Charania singled out the Warriors, Heat, Knicks and Timberwolves as four of the most serious suitors for Antetokounmpo, adding that the Bucks have received serious offers and sent counteroffers to certain teams as the deadline looms.

Heat "expected" to offer several players, two picks and three pick swaps for Giannis

• Date: Feb. 2
• Source: Barry Jackson, Miami Herald

Jackson reported that the Miami Heat are expected to offer an extensive trade package for Antetokounmpo. The offer is anticipated to be Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Terry Rozier, young players, 2 1st-round picks and 3 pick swaps, per Jackson. 

Knicks not heavily pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Date: Feb. 2
• Source: ESPN's Brian Windhorst

A day after The Athletic reported that the Knicks are inquiring about Antetokounmpo, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on "Get Up" Monday morning that, "The Knicks believe in this team.. They believed in this team last summer when Giannis was loosely available in those discussions. They didn't make an aggressive offer at the time of those talks. If they want to win a bidding war now, i think its going to take a 3 or 4 team trade.... That is just not happening. They are not showing that aggression to get Giannis right now and I think thats because they like this team."

Warriors open to trading all but Curry for Giannis

• Date: Jan. 31
• Source: Anthony Slater, ESPN

Slater reported that according to team sources, "there's a sense on the ground that everyone on the Warriors' roster, besides star guard Stephen Curry, is vulnerable as the front office chases Antetokounmpo. 

Sixers shut down idea of VJ Edgecombe trade for Antetokounmpo

• Date: Jan. 30
• Source: Kyle Neubeck

Neubeck communicated with a league source this morning, who completely shot down the notion that the Sixers would trade VJ Edgecombe under any circumstances, including in speculative negotiations involving Antetokounmpo.

"Should go without saying, but he’s part of the foundation in Philly," said Neubeck.

Antetokounmpo interested in Lakers as future destination

• Date: Jan. 30
• Source: HoopsHype

Howard Beck reports that the Lakers are a team to keep an eye on from an Antetokounmpo standpoint. Beck claims there is difficulty with trade assets, but that they have more than enough draft capital.

Eastern Conference teams in contention for Antetokounmpo

• Date: Jan. 30
• Source: ESPN

ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst make the case that eight Eastern Conference teams have the assets for such a trade.

These teams include the following: Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic.

Nets may make offer for Antetokounmpo

• Date: Jan. 29
• Source: New York Post

Brian Lewis notes that while the Nets may not be primarily focused on winning games this season, they’ve always had their eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their ongoing rebuild shouldn’t stop them from considering a bid for the Bucks' superstar.

Bucks are "asking for moon"

• Date: Jan. 29
• Source: Jake Fischer

Per Fischer, a general manager told him that Milwaukee is "asking for the moon" for the Giannis Antetokounmpo return. 

"All of your young players and all of your draft picks," Fischer said he was told on Thursday morning.

Warriors have contacted Bucks, "expressed their firm interest"

• Date: Jan. 29
• Source: Anthony Slater

Per Slater, the Warriors have contacted Milwaukee about Antetokounmpo and "expressed their firm interest"  and their "willingness to put a substantial offer" on the table.

It's "unclear" whether Antetokounmpo would welcome a Warriors trade. League executives told Slater that they believe the quicker the Bucks move in a trade, the better it could be for Golden State. The Warriors can offer up to four first-rounders, also owning young talent in Jonathan Kuminga and potential salary match in Jimmy Butler.

Heat, Knicks, Warriors, Timberwolves listed as top suitors

• Date: Jan. 29
• Source: Sam Amick

Additionally, in Amick's Thursday report, he cited the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves as the "leading suitors," clarifying that it's still "tricky territory to navigate."

Giannis previously said he'd 'never ask for trade' in January

• Date: Jan. 29
• Source: Sam Amick

The language over the past year about whether or not Antetokounmpo has requested a trade has remained murky. Earlier in January, prior to the latest reports indicating the Bucks star is ready to move on, The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that Antetokounmpo said he would "never ask for a trade out of Milwaukee" and it was not in his "nature."

Now, Amick writes that it's easy to see why Antetokounmpo could have had a change of heart, with recent Bucks losses and a bleak future. Per Amick, this is "the strongest sign yet" that the Bucks want to know what the market looks like for Antetokounmpo, and he confirmed that the Bucks are engaging with interested teams. 

Warriors best positioned for Antetokounmpo trade

• Date: Jan. 28
• Source: Brian Windhorst

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports the Golden State Warriors might be best positioned for an Antetokounmpo trade because of their need for a star and their control over all of their future draft assets. "Everyone else is gonna have to try to beat a strong Golden State offer if it comes," Windhorst said.

Bucks' loss to Thunder was 'point of no return' for Antetokounmpo

• Date: Jan. 28
• Source: Jake Fischer

According to Fischer, the Bucks' loss to the Thunder last week, and Antetokounmpo's postgame "frustrations," were viewed as "as a point of no return." From Bucks teammates and other figures, the feeling is that the "writing is on the wall,” for Antetokounmpo, per Fischer.

Knicks will be among teams to make 'aggressive' offer for Antetokounmpo

• Date: Jan. 28
• Source: Ian Begley

New York has already been the top expected destination for Antetokounmpo, reportedly showing interest last summer, but SNY's Ian Begley reports that the Knicks will now be "among teams making aggressive offers" to the Bucks, adding that the Heat will be in the mix.

Antetokounmpo 'ready for a new home,' Bucks willing to listen to offers

• Date: Jan. 28
• Source: Shams Charania

Since the 2025 offseason, rumors have been on-and-off surrounding Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee. At some points, he's made it clear he wants to remain with the Bucks. At others, Charania has reported that Antetokounmpo has shown interest in a trade, and before the 2025-26 season, the Knicks were a reported preferred destination for the Bucks star.

With the trade deadline looming, Charania reported Wednesday that Antetokounmpo is "ready for a new home" and the Bucks are "starting to listen" to offers from other teams. Additionally, other teams have "received a sense that the Bucks are more open than ever to Antetokounmpo offers between now and the deadline."

Charania also reported that the Bucks are not "in a rush" to make a move and could still revisit an Antetokounmpo trade in the offseason. Milwaukee is believed to be pursuing "a blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks."

According to Charania, Antetokounmpo has been informing the Bucks "for months" that he believes the time to part ways has come.

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Giannis contract details

Part of the navigation when it comes to a potential Antetokounmpo trade will be his contract. He is locked into the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons thanks to the three-year, $186 million extension he signed in 2023, but he'll then have a player option for the 2027-28 season, per Spotrac.

Antetokounmpo is expected to pursue an extension by the upcoming 2026 offseason — per ESPN, he will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season on Oct. 1, 2026. However, he'd only be able to sign a contract of that size with a new team six months after a trade.

The calculus of an Antetokounmpo trade is expected to include whether or not a team is willing to give him a long-term extension. 

Giannis injury update

Antetokounmpo has been out since Jan. 23 with a calf strain, his second injury of the 2025-26 season. As of Jan. 26, his return date remains "uncertain" after initially being given a 4-6 week timeline.

"There's really no timetable," Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said, per ESPN. 

Antetokounmpo had his right calf wrapped in the first half of the Jan. 23 game against Denver, and he said postgame that he felt like he couldn't "explode" and struggled to walk. Previously, he missed time in December for a right calf strain.

Milwaukee has gone just 3-11 without Antetokounmpo playing this season, part of the reason that trade rumors have heated up.

MORE: Everything to know about Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury status