Bucks keep Giannis Antetokounmpo through NBA trade deadline

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Feb 5, 2026

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NEW YORK — Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying put.

For now, at least.

Despite widespread speculation and considerable interest in the superstar, the Milwaukee Bucks did not move Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

Antetokounmpo reacted on social media by posting a clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s character declares to a cheering audience, “I’m not leaving!”

“Legends don’t chase,” Antetokounmpo wrote. “They attract.”

Rumors about Antetokounmpo’s future ran rampant in recent days as the 31-year-old forward reportedly expressed a willingness to be traded and the struggling Bucks explored a franchise reset.

The Knicks, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves were all linked to an Antetokounmpo deal at different points.

The attention on Antetokounmpo now shifts to the offseason, when the Bucks can again consider trading the two-time NBA MVP.

Antetokounmpo is under contract through next season, and he holds a player option for the 2027-28 campaign. He becomes eligible for an extension in October.

If Antetokounmpo commits to signing an extension, the Bucks can take him off the trade block. But if he doesn’t, his willingness to sign an extension elsewhere figures be a significant factor in potential trade destinations.

After discussions stagnated this week, the Warriors removed themselves from the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes by acquiring star center Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.

The Knicks, meanwhile, won their eighth game in a row on Wednesday night, defeating the Denver Nuggets in a double-overtime thriller at Madison Square Garden.

Acquiring Antetokounmpo midseason would have cost the Knicks (33-18) multiple key players — a risky proposition considering the wide-open Eastern Conference is there for the taking.

“We love our team right now,” Knicks owner Dolan told WFAN last month. “They have chemistry. They all like each other. I’ve never seen a locker room more copacetic. There’s a lot of energy in there. Leon [Rose] can always overrule me, but I don’t see us making a big change. We’ve got to keep building up this group. This group can win a championship.”

A trade is likely more feasible in the offseason, when the Knicks and Heat both become eligible to offer additional first-round picks.

A nine-time All-Star and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game this season.

But Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf strain — his second of the season — and is not expected to return for at least a few more weeks.

The Greek-born Antetokounmpo often expresses his adoration for Milwaukee, where he’s spent his entire 13-year NBA career. He has never publicly requested a trade, but he’s also spoken about the toll losing takes on him.

Since they won the NBA Finals in 2021, the Bucks have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs. That drought includes first-round exits in each of the past three postseasons.

The Bucks are just 20-29 this season and began Thursday three games out of the East’s final play-in spot.

“I want to be here, but I want to be here to win, not fighting for my life to make the playoffs,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic this week amid the swirling trade buzz.

“I’m not used to inconsistent basketball. I’ve played so many years of consistent basketball, I am not used to it anymore. During the game, I don’t know if you can see my face, (but) I get frustrated during the game.”

The Bucks made a minor move Thursday, acquiring 22-year-old forward Ousmane Dieng from the Chicago Bulls as part of a three-team trade that sent guard Cole Anthony from Milwaukee to the Phoenix Suns.