MILWAUKEE Bucks kept franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo at least through the remainder of the season after not dealing him at the end of 2025-26 NBA Season trade deadline on Thursday (Friday in the Philippines).
According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks have informed the teams chasing Antetokounmpo that they are keeping the two-time NBA MVP and will revisit the possibility of a trade in the offseason.
Milwaukee’s move followed several days of entertaining trade inquiries from teams interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo like Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo has been limited to 30 games this season due to injuries, including his current right calf strain, but is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
The Bucks continued to explore roster upgrades as they attempt to revive their season. Milwaukee has won back-to-back games this week but remains 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
To close the trade deadline, the Bucks acquired Ousmane Dieng and Nigel Hayes-Davis in a three-team trade with the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns. Milwaukee sent Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to Phoenix, while Nick Richards was dealt to Chicago.
Indiana Pacers got Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and one second-round pick.
The Bulls also gave up Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips to the Timberwolves in exchange for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks. Chicago also got Guerschon Yabusele from the Knicks.
Dalen Terry, who was acquired by the Knicks from the Bulls for Yabusele, wad quickly dealt to New Orleans Pelicans along with two second round picke for Jose Alvarado.
Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luke Kennard from Atlanta Hawks for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick, while Charlotte Hornets shipped Tyus Jones to Dallas Mavericks for Malaki Branham.
Other players traded prior to the close of deadline were Josh Minott and Hunter Tyson (Brooklyn Nets) Xavier Tillman Sr. (Hornets), and Eric Gordon (Memphis Grizzlies).
Meanwhile, players who were released to free agency were Chris Paul, Mike Conley, Cameron Thomas, Chris Boucher, Georges Niang, Haywood Highsmith, and Duop Reath./PN
