The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly explored adding Trae Young to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo as a companion star to boost their Eastern Conference positioning, USA Today’s Michael Scotto reported on Tuesday. Young, a four-time All-Star, was ultimately traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, despite interest from the Bucks. Young’s move was one of the first big dominoes of trade season.
Milwaukee’s interest was widely viewed as an effort to ease the offensive burden on Antetokounmpo and reinforce a roster that has struggled for consistency. The report came as many questioned whether Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and perennial All-Star, was satisfied with the direction of the roster.
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Rumors about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee have circulated widely amid the team’s inconsistent 2025-26 campaign and reports that league sources had him in talks with the franchise about his long-term fit. Back in December, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that discussions between the 2021 Finals MVP and the Bucks were ongoing, with no definitive outcome yet, and that the superstar’s future could hinge on competitive traction in the coming weeks.
However, Antetokounmpo emphatically addressed the swirling trade-request rumors on Thursday, publicly shutting down suggestions that he would ever ask to be traded from Milwaukee.
“There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment, that I will come out and say ‘I want a trade,’” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic’s Sam Amick. “That’s not … in … my … nature. OK?”
Giannis Antetokounmpo says he will NEVER request a trade from the Bucks
"There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment, that I will come out and say 'I want a trade' That’s not in my nature… I’m not going anywhere. I’m invested in this team.”
(Via @sam_amick) pic.twitter.com/7y19XF4OiA— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 8, 2026
Antetokounmpo’s comments come amid a broader narrative about his career trajectory and loyalty to Milwaukee, even as speculation intensified after conflicting reports about his agent’s talks with the organization and the Bucks’ performance downturn.
By reaffirming that he will never ask for a trade, Antetokounmpo sought to clarify his stance and calm speculation, signaling that, for now at least, he remains committed to competing in Milwaukee despite the team’s struggles this season. The Bucks (16-21) currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, despite Antetokounmpo averaging 29.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game this season.
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Addresses Bucks’ Decision on Minutes Restriction