As the NBA trade deadline steadily approaches, the majority of the basketball community continues to obsess over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the superstar’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks. After all, the Bucks have seen little postseason success for almost half a decade despite Antetokounmpo’s individual dominance.
Since the Bucks star has been hesitant to openly demand a trade or voice his unflinching loyalty to the team, that has given the fans and media ample room to generate trade rumors; thus, it becomes essential to distinguish the “real” from the “fake” and finding out the Bucks’ proper stance on Antetokounmpo is the first step in that process.
The Milwaukee Bucks Are Adamant About Retaining Giannis Antetokounmpo
Perhaps this stance is not too surprising. No team would willingly let a former MVP and NVA champion leave them. According to a recent report from NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Bucks have refused to hear any offers from teams across the league for Antetokounmpo.
“As trade season draws close, everyone is talking about Giannis. Even though,and I want to underline this, the Bucks continue to tell teams: ‘He’s not available. We don’t want your trade pitches.’ So, it’s this weird deal where the Bucks keep shouting into the wind: ‘Listen to us! We don’t want to talk trades with you about Giannis Antetokounmpo!’ And the rest of the league just ignores it and obsesses about him.”
The Bucks continue to tell teams that Giannis Antetokounmpo is not available, per @TheSteinLine
“As trade season draws close, everyone is talking about Giannis. Even though — and I want to underline this — the Bucks continue to tell teams: ‘He’s not available. We don’t want… pic.twitter.com/To1jBgI5bQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 8, 2025
While teams across the league may be making futile attempts at convincing the Bucks to let go of Antetokounmpo, there is no denying that a horde of suitors eager to acquire him places a significant amount of pressure on the Bucks to perform.
As things stand, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks hold a record of 10-15, a disappointing start for a team looking to contend for an NBA championship. Even if the Bucks do not want to trade him away, their lack of success may urge him to voice his dissatisfaction and force his way out.
If Antetokounmpo does just that, the Bucks will have no choice but to find the best trade package for him. After all, the alternative would be trying to win with a superstar who does not want to be on the team.
It appears that all the teams currently bidding for Antetokounmpo are also hoping for the Bucks’ downfall. That will undoubtedly create more friction between both sides and could even result in a trade. Fans are left wondering how the situation between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will unfold as the season progresses.