Following intensified trade speculation, the Milwaukee Bucks have informed teams they plan to acquire talent before the February 5 deadline to build a contender and retain Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains sidelined by a calf strain. Now 11-16 and 10th in the East, Milwaukee went 3-11 in their last 14 games.
Building on recent rumors fueled by the Bucks' slump without Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee's front office is aggressively pursuing upgrades. A rival GM described them as 'going big-game hunting' to support the two-time MVP upon his return.
Operating under the assumption Giannis will stay past the deadline—he has not requested a trade—the team faces asset limitations: one distant first-round pick and salary filler like Bobby Portis. Potential targets include stars like Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Andrew Wiggins (Golden State Warriors), Jerami Grant, Marcus Smart, and Dejounte Murray, though deals for high salaries would require creativity, possibly third teams.
Antetokounmpo recently met teammates to refocus amid the noise. Without an extension this offseason, 2026 free agency looms, but Bucks hope win-now moves sway him.