Overview
- ESPN reports Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis are meeting with the Bucks to evaluate his long-term fit, with a resolution expected in weeks that could determine his availability before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
- Milwaukee has dropped eight of nine to fall to 9-13 and 11th in the East, while Antetokounmpo is averaging about 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists; the Bucks are 1-5 when he does not play.
- Antetokounmpo removed most Bucks references from his social media profiles this week, a public shift that intensified questions about his commitment.
- There are conflicting accounts on whether he previously sought a move: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says he asked to be traded before the season, while coach Doc Rivers says he has never requested a trade.
- Over the summer the Knicks had an exclusive multiweek window to explore a deal, per ESPN, and while multiple teams would now be expected to inquire, a midseason trade is complicated by salary-matching and cap constraints; he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on Oct. 1, 2026, or six months after any trade.