It’s unclear if Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will play another game this season. If fans have it their way, he wouldn’t return to the hardwood for a long time.
Prior to this Thursday’s trade deadline, Antetokounmpo was mentioned in a plethora of rumors. ESPN’s Shams Charania listed the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks as potential suitors for the two-time MVP. Although he was reportedly “ready for a new home,” he’ll be staying in Milwaukee for at least the rest of the 2025-26 season.
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“Sources told ESPN the Bucks did not feel the urgency to move Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s deadline,” Charania said. “Both sides are expected to reexamine a potential deal in the offseason.”
Roughly 24 hours later, Antetokounmpo announced that he’s now a shareholder in Kalshi, a prediction market that offers sports trading opportunities.
“The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own,” Antetokounmpo said. “Today, I’m joining Kalshi as a shareholder.”
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Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
(© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.)Giannis is under heavy fire.
It didn’t take long for NBA fans to slam this decision from Antetokounmpo. They believe this partnership is a bad look for him and the league.
Some fans are even calling for Antetokounmpo to receive an indefinite ban until he moves on from this partnership.
“The NBA needs to suspend Giannis for a year minimum subject to ban until full divestment,” one fan said. “Athletes y’all made a social contract. You cannot be a part of any gambling in sports. You get millions to play the game. Sorry can’t bet it.”
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“I’m a Giannis fan, but the league has to step in on this one,” a second fan wrote. “And I honestly only see two options: indefinite ban or total divestment by him and his family. And the ban would be for conduct detrimental to the league.”
“I’m not kidding when i say that Giannis being a Kalshi partner should make him ineligible to play NBA games,” a third fan wrote. “If you for make him either divest or ban him you might as well just get Tim Donaghy back in the league for all the integrity the game will have.”
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“I mean, he should never be able to play basketball in the league again,” another fan declared. “It’s that bad.”
The NBA has not yet commented on Antetokounmpo’s deal with Kalshi. It’s unclear if their decision-makers view this as a problem.
For what it’s worth, Antetokounmpo won’t be allowed to trade on any markets related to the NBA.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.