Antetokounmpo stays with Bucks as NBA trade deadline concludes

The NBA trade deadline concluded Thursday with Giannis Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee despite widespread speculation about his future with the Bucks. The league witnessed one of its busiest trade periods in two decades, with 28 deals completed in the week leading up to the deadline and 18 finalized on the final day alone. However, the most prominent NBA trade deadline rumors involving Antetokounmpo and Memphis guard Ja Morant ultimately did not materialize into actual moves.

According to reports, the Milwaukee Bucks had begun listening to offers for the two-time MVP and nine-time All-NBA selection ahead of the 3 p.m. deadline. The 13-year veteran, who led Milwaukee to a championship in 2021, has been sidelined since January 23 with a right calf strain. Despite his expressed desire to play for a championship-contending team, Antetokounmpo will continue his career with the franchise that drafted him.

Record-Breaking NBA Trade Deadline Activity

The deadline tied a league record with 27 teams participating in at least one transaction during the final week. Additionally, the 18 deals finalized Thursday matched the single-day record established two years ago. The flurry of activity represented the most trades completed during a deadline-week period in the past 20 years, according to league data.

Meanwhile, Ja Morant also remained with the Memphis Grizzlies despite increasing speculation about his future. The two-time All-Star has faced challenges including injuries, off-court issues, and declining production. The Grizzlies, currently 11th in the Western Conference standings, had already traded two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz earlier in the week as part of a significant roster restructuring.

Major Players Switch Teams

The Indiana Pacers made one of Thursday’s most significant moves by acquiring center Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Los Angeles Clippers. In exchange, the Pacers sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a conditional 2026 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick to Los Angeles. Zubac, who turns 29 next month, has averaged 14.4 points and 11 rebounds this season.

However, the biggest names to change addresses did so earlier in the week. James Harden, the 2018 MVP and 11-time All-Star, moved from the Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a second-round pick. The Cavaliers acquired the 26-year-old guard who is 10 years younger than Harden.

In contrast, Anthony Davis joined the Washington Wizards from the Dallas Mavericks as part of an eight-player trade. The five-time All-NBA selection will eventually pair with four-time All-Star Trae Young, who arrived in Washington last month from Atlanta, though both players are currently injured. The Wizards sent Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, two first-round picks, and three second-round selections to Dallas.

Conference Leaders Make Strategic Moves

The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder strengthened their roster by acquiring Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round selections. The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons obtained Kevin Huerter from the Chicago Bulls as part of a four-team trade, according to team announcements.

The Minnesota Timberwolves addressed their bench scoring needs by acquiring Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips from Chicago. The Bulls received guard Rob Dillingham, forward Leonard Miller, and four second-round draft picks in return. Dosunmu, earning approximately $7.5 million in the final year of his contract, is averaging a career-high 15 points per game while shooting 45.1% from three-point range.

Additionally, the New York Knicks gained backcourt depth by landing Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans for two second-round picks and Dalen Terry. The Boston Celtics announced they acquired guard John Tonje from the Jazz in exchange for forward Chris Boucher, a future second-round pick, and cash considerations.

Teams will now turn their attention to integrating new players as the season progresses toward the playoffs. The Bucks face continued uncertainty regarding their championship aspirations with Antetokounmpo’s return timeline from injury still undetermined.