Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant remained with their respective teams after the NBA trade deadline expired on Thursday, February 5 (Friday, February 6, Manila time). Despite widespread speculation and reported interest from multiple teams, neither player was moved before the deadline as negotiations failed to meet asking prices or develop serious offers.
Antetokounmpo Remains with Bucks Amid Trade Speculation
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a 10-time All-Star and two-time MVP, did not publicly request a trade, and the Milwaukee Bucks showed no indication they were actively seeking to trade their franchise cornerstone. Interest reportedly came from several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat. However, none could satisfy the Bucks’ high demands, which reportedly included elite young talent combined with multiple first-round draft picks.
Now in his 13th NBA season, all with Milwaukee, the 31-year-old forward continues to perform at an elite level. This season, Antetokounmpo averages 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across 30 games. Over his 889 career games, he holds averages of 24.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. For nine straight seasons, he has ranked in the top seven of MVP voting, underscoring his consistent elite status. Reports surfaced that as the deadline approached, the Bucks stopped entertaining trade offers for their star player.
Morant’s Future Uncertain Despite Trade Rumors
Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star with the Memphis Grizzlies, entered the deadline amid reports of a strained relationship with his team and potential movement. The Sacramento Kings, Timberwolves, and Miami Heat were among the teams expressing interest, with the Kings and Heat showing especially strong intent just days before the cutoff. However, ESPN reported that no team submitted an offer deemed serious enough by the Grizzlies to proceed.
The 26-year-old guard is currently sidelined through the All-Star break due to an elbow injury. In 20 games this season, Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists. Across seven seasons with Memphis, he has played in 327 games, averaging 22.4 points and 7.4 assists. His absence from play and the lack of a trade offer leave both Morant and the Grizzlies facing an uncertain immediate future.
Looking Ahead to Potential Offseason Moves
With neither star changing teams ahead of the deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies remain highly focused on as possible centers of significant trade activity during the offseason. Antetokounmpo is currently in the first season of a three-year, $175.4 million contract paying him $54.1 million this season, while Morant is earning $39.4 million in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million deal.
The unresolved trade status of Giannis Antetokounmpo keeps the NBA community anxious as fans and teams alike await potential moves that could reshape the league’s balance of power heading into next season.
“By not making a move at the deadline, both the Bucks and Grizzlies will be the center of attention for potential offseason trades of their stars.” – Rappler.com
