The Milwaukee Bucks have informed teams they have pulled Giannis Antetokounmpo from the trade block and will begin focusing on other trade opportunities. Antetokounmpo had informed the Bucks for several months that he is ready to leave the Bucks and that initiated trade conversations, but he subsequently had a number of interviews where he indicated his ideal scenario is for the team to become title contenders again.
The Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat and New York Knicks were the four teams who were most engaged with the Bucks on an Antetokounmpo trade ahead of the deadline. The Warriors pivoted to another trade late Wednesday night in acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, which was the first clear signal that the Bucks would be unlikely to trade Antetokounmpo. The Wolves also made an alternative trade Thursday morning by acquiring Ayo Dosunmu.
The Bucks still hope to keep Antetokounmpo long-term depending on the results of the lottery in May, but could also reevaluate their trade options in the offseason. Antetokounmpo becomes eligible for a contract extension with the Bucks on October 1st worth up to $275 million over four seasons. If Antetokounmpo is traded in the offseason, he has to wait six months.