Giannis Antetokounmpo clock ticking as Bucks weigh deadline vs. summer

Around the NBA, there is no consensus on when the Bucks will actually pull the trigger on a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report that some teams in contact with Milwaukee have come away believing the Bucks would prefer to wait until the offseason, when the pool of bidders could be larger and draft capital more flexible.

Others see it differently.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reports rival executives believe the Bucks may be more inclined to act before the February 5 deadline, pointing to the human element.

Keeping Giannis through the deadline and into the summer could create what one team described as an uncomfortable dynamic, with everyone aware the partnership may be nearing its end.

Teams pursuing Giannis strongly believe his preference is to be moved sooner rather than later, even though he has not made any public request.

Deadline vs. Offseason

The Athletic’s internal roundtable reflects the same split.

John Hollinger noted that a deadline deal could benefit both Giannis and acquiring teams by providing clarity and immediate direction. Eric Nehm countered that Milwaukee may be better positioned to maximize value in the offseason.

Nick Friedell added another variable, pointing out that Giannis’ list of preferred destinations remains unknown, a meaningful factor given that he has only one fully guaranteed year left on his deal beyond 2025 26.

Warriors Watch

Golden State continues to loom as one of the most frequently mentioned suitors.

The Warriors can offer four tradable first round picks and have relatively clean salary matching pathways. Sources told Monte Poole of NBC Bay Area that Stephen Curry is the only player considered off limits, a sentiment echoed by ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

While Jimmy Butler has been mentioned as a theoretical salary piece, Stein and Fischer report there are strong indications Golden State does not intend to include Butler, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

If that is the case, Draymond Green may need to be part of the math.

Green addressed the possibility after Friday’s loss.

“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Green said. “If I’m traded, that’s part of the business. I ain’t losing no sleep.”

Bottom Line

The Giannis market is active, but unresolved.

Whether the Bucks act now or wait until the offseason may come down to leverage versus comfort. Either way, the next five days figure to shape the rest of the league’s calendar.