Giannis Antetokounmpo traded? Spurs refuse to disrupt their project

One week before the trade deadline set for February 5th, speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo intensifies after Shams Charania’s ESPN revelations indicating that the Milwaukee Bucks star « is ready for a fresh start. » However, the San Antonio Spurs have made it clear they will not participate in this frantic race.

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Jan 28, 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt

A clear philosophy focused on the Wembanyama timeline

Tim MacMahon of ESPN revealed San Antonio‘s firm position in the latest episode of The Hoop Collective: « I have been told by folks with the Spurs, we are not a destination for Giannis. And there’s a lot of rumors around that, dating back to last summer, but everything in San Antonio is about the Wemby timeline and that’s a decade beyond the Wemby timeline. When you bring in Giannis and his age. »

This decision is explained by the age gap between Antetokounmpo, 31 years old, and Victor Wembanyama, 22 years old, who represents the franchise’s future. The Spurs believe that acquiring the two-time MVP would require sacrificing young talents like Dylan Harper, 19 years old, and Stephon Castle, 21 years old, who fit perfectly into the long-term project.

The Spurs are NOT interested in Giannis Antetokoumnpo, per @BannedMacMahon

« I have been told by folks with the Spurs that we’re not a home for Giannis, »

(h/t @JeffGSpursZone) pic.twitter.com/jx5ZWjw0NR

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 28, 2026

Other franchises lying in wait

While San Antonio sticks to its course, other teams are positioning themselves aggressively. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, « the Heat, the Warriors and the Toronto Raptors are among the franchises pushing hard for an Antetokounmpo trade before the deadline, according to multiple league sources. There are trade discussions developing involving these teams, as well as the New York Knicks, which could be impacted by Giannis’ decision. »

The Spurs do have the necessary assets with three tradeable first-round picks and control of five selections in the upcoming draft. But the franchise prioritizes sustainable contention rather than short-term acceleration.

PLAYER PROFILE

Giannis ANTETOKOUNMPO

Position(s): Center

Height: 211 cm

Age: 31 years old (06/12/1994)

Nationality:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

28

#8

REB

10

#15

AST

5.6

#34

Currently second in the Western Conference with a record of 32 wins and 16 losses, the Spurs prove their approach is paying off. Wembanyama is establishing himself as an MVP candidate, Castle is having an excellent sophomore season, and the team has found a perfect balance between immediate ambitions and future vision.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee is going through a difficult period with a record of 18 wins and 27 losses, sitting in 12th place in the East. Antetokounmpo‘s future continues to hover over the league, but San Antonio has clearly chosen its path.