Milwaukee appears ready to keep the two-time MVP for now and has informed teams of its decision, sources told ESPN<\/a> shortly before Thursday’s afternoon deadline. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors were reportedly among the teams that explored a potential deal for Antetokounmpo.<\/p>\n Antetokounmpo expressed openness to a change of scenery months ago, either at the trade deadline or this offseason, according to an ESPN report last week.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM<\/a><\/p>\n Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center Feb. 16, 2023, in Chicago.\u00a0 (Michael Reaves\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Although Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee and led the franchise to its first NBA title in 50 years, trade speculation has followed him for months. Until recently, the Bucks showed little willingness to engage in serious negotiations involving the 10-time All-Star, though the front office has not signaled urgency to make a move.<\/p>\n 76ERS TRADE JARED MCCAIN, THEIR 2024 FIRST-ROUND PICK, TO THUNDER BEFORE NBA DEADLINE<\/a><\/p>\n Antetokounmpo appeared to address his status shortly after the trade deadline passed, writing in an Instagram post<\/a>, “Legends don\u2019t chase. They attract.” The post was accompanied by an expletive-laden scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which Leonardo DiCaprio\u2019s character enthusiastically declares he is staying at his job.<\/p>\n Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena Jan. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. \u00a0\u00a0 (Kevin C. Cox\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Antetokounmpo, his representatives and the Bucks are expected to revisit potential deals after the season. Barring a miraculous post-All-Star break turnaround, Milwaukee appears unlikely to reach the postseason. The Bucks entered Thursday at 20-29 and No. 12 in the Eastern Conference standings.<\/p>\n This fall, the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo will become eligible for a contract extension. He also has a player option for the 2027\u201328 season, meaning there will be significant financial implications tied to where Antetokounmpo ultimately lands.<\/a><\/p>\n Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena Jan. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. \u00a0 (Kevin C. Cox\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n A calf injury will keep Antetokounmpo sidelined for several weeks. The star forward appeared to sustain the injury during a recent game against the Denver Nuggets. He had a similar setback in December, which caused him to miss more than three weeks. Before that, a groin issue forced Antetokounmpo to sit out for 11 days in November.<\/p>\n \u00a0In 30 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds.\u00a0<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n While Antetokounmpo stayed put at the deadline, the Bucks did make another move, picking up Ousmane Dieng as part of a three-team trade. The Chicago Bulls<\/a> and Phoenix Suns were the other two teams involved in the deal, ESPN reported.<\/p>\n Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s sports coverage on X<\/a>, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n![\"Giannis](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/94b24af7-GettyImages-1467952858-copy.jpg\")
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