With the NBA trade window now open since December 15, betting odds heavily favor the Miami Heat landing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo amid the team's 11-16 start without their injured superstar. Multiple suitors have cooled, but rumors persist as the Bucks seek roster help.
Following the Bucks' recent skid—highlighted by 10 losses in 13 games while Antetokounmpo nursed a calf injury—the trade landscape has heated up post-December 15, when 82 offseason signees became eligible.
CBS Sports' list of 100 trade candidates crowns Antetokounmpo ($54M salary) as the top domino. If he requests out, suitors could emerge quickly. Kalshi Sports odds now give the Heat 30% chance, potentially via Tyler Herro and picks. However, OKC Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets have backed off, per reports, sticking with young cores. Knicks interest lingers despite asset issues; Hawks hold Bucks' 2026 pick but hesitate.
Bucks (11-16) want additions like Zach LaVine, while rebuilding teams like skidding Bulls could move pieces such as Coby White. Other elites like Anthony Davis (Mavs), Lauri Markkanen (Jazz), and Trae Young (Hawks) also feature prominently ahead of the February deadline.