Giannis set to leave the Bucks: which team could sign him?
Credible reports have emerged that the Bucks are already listening to offers for the forward, who could change teams before February 5.
The first domino looks ready to fall. Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Wednesday that Giannis Antetokounmpo is prepared to leave the Milwaukee Bucks.
Giannis is “ready for a new home,” the American journalist wrote. Speculation around the Greek star’s future is nothing new, but this is the first time it has been framed with such certainty.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, appears willing to part ways with its franchise player, the star who delivered the organisation’s second championship in 2021. There are two potential windows for a trade: before the deadline on Thursday, February 5, or during the summer. Everything hinges on the price.
“Milwaukee has indicated to interested teams that the organization is not in a rush to complete a move and is willing to navigate Antetokounmpo’s future in the offseason if its believed price point of a blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks isn’t met,” ESPN reports.
The Bucks are said to value the two-time MVP at either elite young talent or a substantial haul of draft picks, in addition to salary-matching contracts. If discussions extend into the summer, the franchise could also explore offers centred on the most attractive selections in June’s draft.
Antetokounmpo, 31, who stands 6′11″, signed a three-year, $58.5 million extension with Milwaukee in 2023. The 2+1 deal, which includes a $62.8 million player option for the summer of 2027, came into effect this season. If he declines that option, he would become an unrestricted free agent.
With his contract effectively entering its final phase, Antetokounmpo holds significant leverage and can influence his preferred destination. That leverage cuts both ways. Any potential suitor must be confident he will commit beyond the summer of 2027, rather than reaching the open market, before making a major offer.
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason as several rival teams make aggressive offers to the Milwaukee Bucks for him, and the franchise is starting to listen, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OejatbQjDy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 28, 2026
Related stories
Beyond any trade scenario, Antetokounmpo is also eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on October 1. Should a move take place in the summer, that extension would have to wait six months before it could be finalised.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment