Trade Deadline: The Bucks want to get rid of Giannis Antetokounmpo now!

With only two days left before the NBA trade deadline, the situation of Giannis Antetokounmpo has entered a new phase. As reported by Shams Charania (ESPN), the Milwaukee Bucks have started to counter offers from teams pushing hardest to close a deal for the two-time MVP. Madness at the trade deadline.

After years of resisting the idea of trading their franchise player, the Milwaukee organization has changed its stance and is now actively engaging with several franchises considering an operation that could shift the league's balance.

Among the teams most active in the race for Antetokounmpo are the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks, according to sources consulted by ESPN.

The Bucks are experiencing a challenging moment in sports. With a record of 18-29, the team suffered its fifth consecutive loss on Sunday, falling clearly to the Boston Celtics, placing them in the twelfth position in the Eastern Conference. In accepting Antetokounmpo's departure, Milwaukee seeks to receive in return a top-tier young talent and/or a significant package of draft picks.

Months of requesting a trade

According to the same sources, Antetokounmpo has been expressing to the franchise for months that he believes the time has come to part ways after over 12 years together.

In sporting terms, the power forward has played 30 games this season, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, with a 64% field goal percentage. He is currently sidelined due to a right calf injury, estimating a recovery period of four to six weeks, although the Bucks have not provided an official timetable for his return.

Milwaukee will begin a series of three consecutive home games this week, facing Chicago and New Orleans before the market closes on Thursday at 9:00 PM Spanish time.