Trade discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo have intensified ahead of Thursday’s NBA deadline, but several rival teams are advising the Milwaukee Bucks to delay any move despite aggressive interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Mannix reported on Wednesday that Minnesota has emerged as a determined suitor, operating under the belief that Antetokounmpo would welcome a partnership with 24-year-old Anthony Edwards and consider a long-term extension if a deal materializes.
The Wolves, currently 31-20 and seventh in the Western Conference, are exploring multi-team frameworks because their available draft assets are limited, which complicates negotiations with a Milwaukee roster that sits 12th in the East at 19-29.
“As the hours tick toward the NBA trade deadline, Minnesota’s aggressive pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo has drawn attention,” Mannix wrote, noting that the Bucks have requested forward Jaden McDaniels along with multiple first-round picks.
League executives believe the asking price reflects Antetokounmpo’s two-way impact and elite efficiency, as the former MVP is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 64.5 percent from the field this season.
According to Mannix, rival organizations are encouraging Milwaukee to be patient because more teams could enter the market this summer when draft capital becomes more flexible across the league.
“Multiple teams have told Milwaukee that they would have offers—or in some cases better offers—after the season,” Mannix reported, highlighting the strategic pressure surrounding the decision.
Minnesota’s front office is reportedly canvassing teams in search of additional picks, with one source telling SI that nearly the entire roster outside of Edwards could be discussed if it helps construct a viable package.
The Timberwolves’ exploration of Julius Randle and Naz Reid in separate trade conversations reflects the need to balance frontcourt depth with long-term flexibility, especially with Rudy Gobert anchoring the paint.
Randle, who averages 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists, has been a primary scoring option alongside Edwards, while Reid’s 39.7 percent three-point shooting provides spacing that would be difficult to replace in a midseason overhaul.
Milwaukee’s leverage remains tied to timing, as ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported the Bucks are weighing the “risk or reward” of a deadline move versus an offseason bidding environment.
One rival executive told Mannix, “Minnesota badly wants to get it done now… They don’t want to get into a bidding war before the draft,” underscoring the urgency driving current negotiations.
