Giannis Antetokounmpo Requests Trade from Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks Emerge as Frontrunners
A seismic shift is underway in the NBA as Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, has requested the Milwaukee Bucks explore trade options before the February 5 deadline. The news, which broke midday Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the league, with the New York Knicks quickly establishing themselves as the team to watch.
The Bucks’ front office, led by General Manager Jon Horst, now faces a critical decision: how much of Antetokounmpo’s immense value are they willing to concede to satisfy his desire for a more competitive situation? According to sources, the superstar has already played his last game for Milwaukee, suffering a strained right calf on January 23 during a 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The injury is expected to sideline Antetokounmpo for four to six weeks, potentially delaying his return until March – whether with the Bucks or a new team. He finished the game against the Nuggets with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in his 889th regular season game with the organization.
Interest in Antetokounmpo is not new. Over the past year, teams including the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers have all expressed interest in acquiring the dominant forward. The Warriors’ pursuit reportedly intensified before Jimmy Butler sustained a ruptured cruciate ligament.
Antetokounmpo joined the Bucks in 2013 and spearheaded their championship run in 2021, ending a 60-year title drought for the franchise. His accolades include two MVP awards (2019, 2020), a Defensive Player of the Year award (2020), nine All-Star selections, nine appearances on All-NBA teams, and an All-Star Game MVP award in 2021. Even with his current injury, he remains a cornerstone player, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 29.2 minutes per game. He was recently named to the 2025-26 All-Star team, though he will be unable to participate in the event.
The coming days will be pivotal as the Bucks weigh their options and the Knicks – and potentially other contenders – prepare their offers. The NBA landscape could be irrevocably altered by the outcome of this unfolding drama.
