It sure sounds like the Milwaukee Bucks are attempting to get Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitors hooked on the star forward, but with a move this summer in mind. Per SNY's Ian Begley, teams calling the Bucks got the sense that Milwaukee is seemingly "more interested in gauging the market" than actually trying to get a deal done. They could be testing the waters and setting themselves up for a move down the line, knowing a move now is unlikely.
Bucks could talk to suitors now, engage once again this summer
While the Milwaukee Bucks could absolutely still trade Giannis before the deadline, especially if the forward applies significant pressure, it's always made more sense to trade him in the summertime. This summer, teams will gain access to more draft capital, and the Bucks will have an understanding of where everyone's 2026 draft picks fall. Currently, teams are limited in what they can offer.
Miami, a prominent Giannis trade suitor, has arguably the best package right now, featuring a cache of young players but only two first-round picks. In the summer, they will gain access to more. Why would the Bucks not wait a couple of extra months to get more capital? The Bucks should be trying to get interested teams on the hook and hope to reconnect with them in the summertime.
Milwaukee could potentially get a nice package right now, but in a few months, they could get a great one. When trading a player of Giannis' magnitude, you have to get the great return. The Bucks need the farm from any team that acquires Giannis, and this makes it sound like they know that.
Part of this equation could certainly also be the Milwaukee Bucks trying to buy time for themselves. Giannis hasn't flat-out requested a trade. All of the chatter makes it sound like he's simply "open" to playing elsewhere. If the Bucks keep him past the deadline and regroup in the summer, likely after a series of moves involving a new coach and retooled roster, perhaps they can convince him to stay.
That may just be wishful thinking, of course.
Whether or not the Bucks have a legitimate interest in trading Giannis Antetokounmpo mid-season will be revealed in the coming days. A lot can happen in five days, but right now, Milwaukee's rumored stance of simply gauging the market doesn't sound like a team that is actively trying its hardest to part ways with its superstar talent right now.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.