The Milwaukee Bucks have maintained their position that Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be made available before the trade deadline, according to team sources who told ESPN the franchise is actively searching the market for an impact player to pair with their superstar. The declaration comes as the struggling Bucks sit at 17-24 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
“We always manage to pull something off,” a team source told ESPN.
The Bucks are facing one of the most significant transaction periods in franchise history. Milwaukee has a chance to either salvage a disappointing season or pivot into an entirely new era with three weeks remaining before the deadline.
Team sources have emphasized to ESPN that the Bucks have been aggressive on the trade market. The organization is trying to find a potential upgrade to their roster and avoid wasting a year of Antetokounmpo’s prime.
Milwaukee holds notable financial flexibility this trade season. The Bucks are not in the luxury tax for the first time since the 2019-20 season and are not hard capped at either apron, positioning them to acquire a player with multiple years remaining on his contract.
Rival executives see the biggest opportunity for Milwaukee in accepting larger contracts with multiple years beyond this season. ESPN reported last month the Bucks have discussed players including Zach LaVine and Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings, as well as Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Bucks can accept contracts that opposing teams might be trying to shed, such as Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat, who owns a $30 million player option for next season, or Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets, who will make $22.8 million in the 2026-27 season, team and league sources told ESPN.
Milwaukee is looking to address its biggest issue, which is how badly they struggle whenever Antetokounmpo is not on the court. The Bucks are 3-11 without Antetokounmpo in the lineup this season, with their offensive efficiency dropping to 107.6 without their star player, which would be the worst mark in the NBA.