Bucks Eye Trade Options as NBA Deadline Looms Without Giannis

Emerson Raymont

Published: January 29, 2026 5:47 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a critical moment in the lead-up to the NBA trade deadline, which is just a week away. Recent reports indicate that the team is seriously considering trade options for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The prospect of trading their star player has generated considerable buzz in the league.

Bucks Eye Trade Options as NBA Deadline Looms

As teams prepare for the impending trade deadline on February 5, 2024, the Bucks have opened discussions for potential trades involving Antetokounmpo. General manager Jon Horst is actively engaging with several franchises to explore trade possibilities. The intensity of speculation surrounding Giannis is expected to escalate in the coming days.

Key Factors in Trade Consideration

The Bucks are under no pressure to trade Antetokounmpo before the deadline.
The team can hold onto him and revisit trade options during the offseason.
Post-draft lottery timing could provide clearer insights for potential trade packages.

Potential Trade Partners

Several teams have emerged as potential suitors for Antetokounmpo:

Atlanta Hawks: Initially interested, they are now reluctant to expedite their plans and instead focus on long-term development.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Possible involvement in a three-team deal, with draft pick swaps and established players included.
Houston Rockets: Positioned fourth in the Western Conference, they believe acquiring Antetokounmpo could strengthen their playoff push.
Golden State Warriors: They are interested in a package that includes young talent and draft assets, despite the ongoing injury concerns surrounding Jimmy Butler.

Analyzing Trade Packages

The trade options being discussed feature a variety of combinations that could benefit both the Bucks and the trading partners:

Bucks to Hawks: Bucks receive Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and a first-round pick from New Orleans.
Bucks to Timberwolves: Bucks acquire Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and draft rights, enhancing their future assets.
Bucks to Rockets: Bucks gain Alperen Şengün, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a first-round pick from Brooklyn.
Bucks to Warriors: Bucks receive Jimmy Butler and young prospects alongside multiple future first-round picks.

As the February 5 deadline approaches, the Bucks’ management must weigh the benefits of potentially trading their star player against the advantages of retaining him for the remainder of the season. Whether they finalize a deal or decide to hold onto Antetokounmpo will significantly impact the team’s strategy going forward.