RealGM Basketball Wiretap

19 December 2025

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Confirms He Hasn't Spoken To Bucks About Future

  Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke with reporters on Thursday for the first time since an ESPN report indicated that he and his agent, Alex Saratsis, planned to open conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about his future and whether they would move forward with a trade.

  Antetokounmpo, however, suffered a calf strain in the Bucks' next game which impacted the momentum of the conversation and prevented him from addressing the situation on the record directly.

  "I didn't hear about the report," said Antetokounmpo. "Again, if my agent is talking to the Bucks about it, he is his own person. He can have any conversation he wants about it.

  "At the end of the day, I don't work for my agent, my agent works for me. And there's going to be conversations that are going to be made between him and the Bucks and him and his other players and him and other teams and other GMs, executives around the league. It's something that you can't control.

  "But, at the end of the day, I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks. I'm still locked in, locked in on my teammates. Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy. And then locked in on my teammates and how can I help them from the sideline or encourage them to be able to play and play free. Because at the end of the day, it takes a toll on them too, right? They're playing game after game after game. Thank God, we've had a very good schedule in the last couple of weeks, but it takes a toll on them too. Like rumors and that and in and out, injuries and lose, win, it's hard, right? So, as a leader, but most importantly as a winner, you just gotta be there for them first.

  "So, right now again, I'm just focused on getting back healthy on the court, focusing on how can I encourage my team to be the best version of themselves. After that, focus on how can I go out there and help them win games and get out of this hole that we've dug ourselves in and then everything else comes after that."

  Antetokounmpo becomes eligible on October 1, 2026 for a four-year, $275 million maximum extension through the 2030-31 season and could become a free agent as early as 2027.

• Bucks Believed To Be 'Big-Game Hunting' On Trade Market

  The Milwaukee Bucks have shifted their approach at the trade deadline, messaging to rival teams that they want to be buyers rather than sellers despite an 11-16 record. The franchise is pursuing moves to strengthen Giannis Antetokounmpo's supporting cast, even without a clear return-from-injury timetable for their star forward.

  After repeatedly telling teams that Antetokounmpo is not available, Milwaukee is now signaling a different direction. One rival general manager said the Bucks have convinced him "they're going big-game hunting" to assemble a contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference.

  The Bucks have revisited the prospect of pursuing Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings. Milwaukee needs wing depth between Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, making LaVine an attractive option despite his expensive contract.

  The team's lack of draft capital limits their options. Milwaukee does not have an unencumbered first-round pick to trade until 2031, meaning their only path to acquiring talent involves taking on significant contracts.

  Portland Trail Blazers swingman Jerami Grant has also been on Milwaukee's radar both this season and previously. Grant has two years remaining on his deal worth just over $70 million after this season, and Portland already controls Milwaukee's first-round picks in 2028, 2029, and 2030 from the Damian Lillard trade.

  Other players Milwaukee has shown interest in include Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat and Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bucks regularly called about Wiggins during his Golden State Warriors tenure and were interested in Murray before his trade to New Orleans.

  Murray has not played since late January 2025 due to a torn Achilles. New Orleans hopes he could return next month.

  Marcus Smart is another defensive-minded guard Milwaukee has explored, though the Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make him available after acquiring him via the buyout market in the offseason.

  Rival teams continue to believe Milwaukee's best option is proactively trading Antetokounmpo before his situation grows more complicated. One decision-maker described the current dynamic as "a staring contest" between the Bucks and interested teams.

  Some teams wonder if Milwaukee's resistance stems from concerns that Antetokounmpo's trade market would not be as robust as anticipated. Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade and cannot become a free agent until 2027.

• Bucks Tell Rival Teams They're Buyers As Trade Season Opens

  The Milwaukee Bucks have told teams they are looking to add to their roster in hopes of fortifying their struggling squad as the trade season begins, league sources told The Athletic. The Bucks are 11-16 and have not won consecutive games since October.

  Milwaukee suffered a 127-82 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, one of the largest defeats in franchise history. The loss came three days after the Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined with a right calf strain.

  The Bucks are barely holding on to the final Play-In Tournament spot in the Eastern Conference. Trade rumors involving Antetokounmpo have surfaced during the regular season as the two-time MVP and team have expressed displeasure with early results.

  The Athletic confirmed Milwaukee has done due diligence on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine recently and has shown interest in him in the past. The revelation shows the Bucks might be willing to take a significant swing rather than adding around the periphery.

  Milwaukee's messaging could change as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, sources said. The Bucks waived Damian Lillard five months ago and added big man Myles Turner on a four-year, $107 million deal.

  The Bucks have a group of younger guards including Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. who have been regulars in coach Doc Rivers' rotation. All are 6-foot-5 or shorter.

  Milwaukee essentially has no wings who have earned Rivers' trust following Taurean Prince's neck injury and subsequent surgery. This has led Rivers to use mismatched lineups featuring either three guards or three bigs.

  The Bucks have four bigs who have contributed all season: Antetokounmpo, Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis. Green, one of the NBA's best 3-point shooters, has missed the last three games with a left AC joint sprain.

  General manager Jon Horst can only move one first-round pick at this year's trade deadline. The Bucks' summer moves left their remaining first-round picks intact, though Horst could move up to three starting on draft night.

• Thunder, Rockets, Spurs Not Expected To Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo

  At this point, the Milwaukee Bucks are not expected to make Giannis Antetokounmpo available via trade unless the superstar forward asks to be traded. Should Antetokounmpo ask to leave the Bucks, don't expect three Western Conference powers to get involved in trade talks.

  The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are all expected to pass on jumping in on discussions to acquire Antetokounmpo. The Thunder, Rockets and Spurs are expected to have the assets to chase the Bucks star forward, but all three teams are believed to like how their teams are currently positioned.

• Bucks Conduct Due Diligence On Zach LaVine Amid Trade Rumors

  The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted recent due diligence on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine and have shown interest in the past, league sources tell The Athletic. The Bucks are navigating the uncertain future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but continue their efforts in putting the best team possible around him despite limited ways of improving their roster as they only retain one tradeable first round pick.

  LaVine could help several contending teams but faces significant trade obstacles. The 30-year-old guard earns $47.4 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for next season.

  LaVine's contract makes him nearly impossible to move without Sacramento attaching draft assets as sweeteners. First-year Kings general manager Scott Perry has signaled a commitment to retaining future draft picks for the franchise's rebuild.

  Perry hopes those picks will play a pivotal role in Sacramento's future. The general manager made a plea for fan and organizational patience regarding his long-term outlook.

  If Perry maintains his stance on draft picks, the Kings' veteran core could remain intact past the February 5 deadline. Sacramento's core includes LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk.

  The Kings have opened their roster for business amid a disappointing season. Sacramento stands at 6-19, last in the Western Conference.

  The realities of the trade market could provide a sobering reality as the deadline approaches. LaVine's exorbitant salary presents challenges for any team attempting to acquire him without significant financial flexibility.

  Milwaukee's interest demonstrates contending teams view LaVine as a potential difference-maker. However, the financial hurdles remain substantial for any deal to materialize.

  LaVine is averaging 20.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 33.6 minutes across 22 games so far this season with the Kings. LaVine continues to be one of the NBA's most efficient scoring guards with a True Shooting Percentage over .600.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Interest Remains Strong Despite New CBA Concerns

  Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to generate significant trade interest across the NBA despite concerns about superstar contracts under the league's new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

  The two-time MVP is universally regarded as a top-five player still in his prime. While the new CBA has caused teams to reconsider long-term commitments to aging stars, Antetokounmpo represents an exception to the trend and is in contrast to the current perspective on the trade value of Anthony Davis.

  "I don't think you'd see 29 teams make an offer like if, say, Victor [Wembanyama] was available, but there would be plenty of interest and probably two to three teams would be willing to go all-in right now," an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN.

  An assistant coach added perspective on Antetokounmpo's value.

  "I'm sure the front office would have pros and cons and all that," the coach said. "But if you're asking me, I'd want him on my team in less than a second. He plays hard every night and clearly wants to win and can be unstoppable. This is the kind of player you need to win it all."

  Antetokounmpo could sign a four-year extension worth $275 million next summer, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. The deal would carry him through his age-37 season.

  "You are going to gulp and do it," an East executive said. "But you have to be good enough where the beginning of the deal is worth it, because you are baking in the back end."

  One of the main questions for the Bucks will be whether Antetokounmpo will be amenable to going to a team with multiple tradeable first round picks, of if their return will be centered more around current players.

• Warriors Reserve Draymond Green Trade Only For Giannis, Not Markkanen Or Davis

  The Golden State Warriors are considered unlikely to make a major trade for a star this season unless it is for Giannis Antetokounmpo, sources tell Jake Fischer. The Warriors would almost certainly need to send out Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler in a deal for a star making a significant salary and only Antetokounmpo would motivate them to do so, according to Fischer. This rules out the likes of Lauri Markkanen or Anthony Davis for the Warriors.

  "I just think Golden State values him too much and they would not part ways with Draymond Green unless it is for Giannis and that's really it," said Fischer.

  Green has a player option for the 2026-27 season, or could become a free agent in 2027 if he opts in.

  Markkanen is on a four-year, $220 million extension that runs until 2029 and contains no options.

  Davis is in the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension he signed with the Lakers in August 2023. Davis becomes eligible to sign another extension for up to three seasons and $218.5 million beginning Aug. 6, 2026. He holds a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season.

  The Warriors can trade up to three first round picks and three swaps.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Addresses Bucks' Teammates Amid Trade Speculation

  Giannis Antetokounmpo recently met with some of his teammates on the Milwaukee Bucks to discuss ongoing rumors of his future with the franchise, sources tell Chris Haynes. Antetokounmpo's message was to focus on basketball and not get distracted by outside noise.

  Antetokounmpo is currently out multiple weeks with a calf strain, which occurred on the same day ESPN's Shams Charania reported that his agent is in the process of discussing the two-time MVP's future with the Bucks.

  "I was told his point was he's here wanting to get better," said Chris Haynes on NBATV. "Wanting to make sure he gets his game back on point. Make sure he gets back from this injury. But he relayed the message that he can't control what goes on, or what even happens to him.

  "Obviously, things are getting loud where he felt like he had to address some of his teammates."

  There has been considerable speculation dating back to last year's draft lottery that Antetokounmpo could agitate for a trade away from the Bucks. In August, the Bucks and New York Knicks held trade talks upon the request of Antetokounmpo.

• Knicks Will Not Have Exclusive Negotiating Window For Giannis Antetokounmpo In Trade Talks

  Over the summer, the Milwaukee Bucks gave the New York Knicks an exclusive negotiating window to talk Giannis Antetokounmpo trades. Antetokounmpo had made it known that he preferred to play for the Knicks if traded. Those talks ultimately broke down, despite New York making offers for Antetokounmpo.

  If Antetokounmpo asks for a trade in-season, the Knicks will no longer have an exclusive negotiating window. Even if superstar big man prefers New York, the Bucks will engage the entire NBA in trade talks for Antetokounmpo.

  "The writing is on the wall," one source said of the Bucks future with Antetokounmpo.

  Milwaukee has minimal means left to improve the roster around their star player. The Bucks have just one tradable first-round pick, and don't have much young talent to offer in packages to upgrade their rotation.

• 'Strong Belief' Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants To Go To Knicks If He Gets Traded

  There is a "strong belief" that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to go to the New York Knicks over any other team should if get traded from the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Jake Fischer of The People's Insider.

  It was reported earlier this week that Antetokounmpo told at least one teammate over the summer that he was close to getting traded to the Knicks.

  Rival teams are still reportedly waiting for a clear signal from the Bucks that they are willing to part ways with Antetokounmpo.

  Executives around the league also believe that Antetokounmpo would be looking to join a team capable of competing for a championship.

  Antetokounmpo currently has a player option for the 2027-28 season. He is expected to use assurances of extending his contract as leverage to dictate potential landing spots should trade discussions begin.