Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s name has once again surfaced in trade speculation as the Milwaukee Bucks struggle to find stability early in the 2025-2026 NBA season. With the Bucks hovering outside the top tier of the Eastern Conference and sitting in the 10th seed at 11-16, questions about the franchise’s direction have intensified.
Among the teams loosely linked to Antetokounmpo in recent weeks were the Golden State Warriors, sparking visions of a blockbuster pairing with Stephen Curry.
Doc Rivers addressed all the rumors about Giannis’s departure from the Bucks
Those whispers, however, appear to have little substance.
NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic poured cold water on the idea that either side is actively pursuing such a move.
“Does Giannis want to be in Golden State? I don’t have total clarity on that, but there’s no smoke there to my knowledge,” Amick said. “In fact, I’ve chatted with some of their core players, and to be clear, the indication was we don’t have any reason to think that he’s trying to get here.”
His comments suggest that while the idea of Antetokounmpo in a Warriors uniform captures the imagination, there is no real momentum behind it.
That clarification comes amid reports that Antetokounmpo explored his options before the season began but ultimately chose to continue with Milwaukee. The Bucks‘ slow start has only fueled external chatter, even as Antetokounmpo has remained productive when healthy.
Limited to 17 games due to a calf injury earlier in December, the former MVP is still averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, underscoring his continued dominance on the court.
Trade Talk Taking a Personal Toll
While speculation is part of life for an NBA superstar, insiders indicate that the constant noise has begun to wear on Antetokounmpo.
Speaking on The Kevin O’Connor Show, NBA reporter Chris Haynes shared insight from recent conversations with those close to the Bucks star.
“From the conversation I had with him a week ago, he said he’s not comfortable with all the rumors,” Haynes said. “He claims it’s not coming from him. Most of these conversations are coming from his representatives.”
That discomfort highlights a tension between public perception and Antetokounmpo’s own stance. Despite being repeatedly mentioned in trade scenarios, there has been no public demand from the player himself to leave Milwaukee.
His contract further supports that reality, as it runs through the 2026-2027 season with a player option for the following year. The Bucks still control their timeline, and there is no immediate pressure to make a franchise-altering decision.
Around the league, executives and analysts continue to view Antetokounmpo as the cornerstone of Milwaukee’s plans.
The team’s struggles are widely attributed to injuries, roster adjustments, and early-season inconsistency rather than a fundamental breakdown between player and organization.
With Antetokounmpo back on the floor and gradually regaining rhythm, there is cautious optimism that the Bucks can climb back into the playoff picture.
For now, the Warriors rumor appears to be more fantasy than fact, and Antetokounmpo remains firmly in Milwaukee.
Still, as long as the Bucks linger in the middle of the Eastern Conference, speculation will persist.
Whether the team can quiet those rumors depends largely on what happens next on the court, where Antetokounmpo continues to lead by example, even amid uncertainty.
