Giannis Antetokounmpo Deletes Bucks from Social Media—Is a Blockbuster Trade Imminent?

Giannis Antetokounmpo sent shockwaves through the NBA on Tuesday morning when fans noticed that his X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts had been wiped of nearly every reference to the Milwaukee Bucks, the franchise he helped turn into a 2021 champion. The two-time MVP’s bio now reads simply “Athlete,” and his profile photo no longer shows him in Bucks gear, igniting fresh speculation that a trade demand could be imminent ahead of the February 5 deadline. Multiple outlets quickly confirmed the purge, noting that Antetokounmpo—who turns 31 on December 6—is earning $54 million this season with a $58 million player option for 2026-27. Because he can become a free agent in the summer of 2027, rival executives believe Milwaukee has only a narrow window to convince its superstar to stay. The Bucks (12-11) have struggled to find chemistry under first-year coach Adrian Griffin, ranking in the bottom third of the league in defensive rating. League insiders point to several potential suitors—most notably the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder—who possess the draft capital and expiring contracts needed to make an attractive offer. Any blockbuster, however, would require a haul rivaling the deals that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix or Damian Lillard to Miami. Antetokounmpo’s social media move is not without precedent: stars such as Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis made similar digital statements prior to requesting trades. Nonetheless, sources close to the two-time Finals MVP caution that the Greek forward remains focused on “winning in Milwaukee—until that’s no longer possible.” He is averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting a career-best 38 percent from three, statistics that would make him this season’s most coveted trade asset. For the Bucks, the next month could shape the franchise’s future. If Milwaukee fails to reassert itself in the crowded Eastern Conference standings, front-office chief Jon Horst may have to weigh the short-term hit of moving an all-time great against the long-term risk of losing him for nothing. Expect every Giannis post—or sudden lack thereof—to remain under a microscope until the deadline buzzer sounds.