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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo had telling quote about being traded

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 5:04 PM ET

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo certainly seems to be less opposed to a trade now than he has been in the past.

After Milwaukee’s 112-110 win over Atlanta on Monday, Antetokounmpo had a telling answer to a question about whether he expects to remain with the Bucks for the rest of the season.

“I don’t know. I take it day-by-day,” Antetokounmpo responded.

An answer that vague is inevitably going to ramp up speculation, especially when he has been keen to push trade rumors aside earlier in the season.

“I don’t know. I don’t know, I take it day-by-day”

— Giannis on if he’ll finish the season with Milwaukeepic.twitter.com/3B7Pka61zi
— Hoop Quotes (@Quote_Forum) January 21, 2026

Sure, the ultimate outcome may not be up to him, but the Bucks would not trade Antetokounmpo unless he wanted a move. It is quite noteworthy that he is leaving the door open slightly.

The Bucks are 18-24 entering play Wednesday, a far cry from where Antetokounmpo would want the team to be. He expects to be contending for championships, but Milwaukee does not look like it will be doing so this season. At that point, it is reasonable that he would consider his options.

An in-season trade of Antetokounmpo would be difficult, but not impossible. With comments like that one, it makes sense that some teams want to wait and see if he actually gets moved before looking into alternatives.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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