Giannis Trade Decision Reportedly Finalized by Bucks After Heated NBA Deadline Rumors

After months of trade rumors and speculation, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't going anywhere.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Bucks "have indicated to teams" that they are keeping Antetokounmpo through Thursday's trade deadline and will start focusing on making other trades. The decision comes after reported trade interest from teams like the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, one source told NBA insider Jake Fischer that the Bucks "were never serious" when discussing potential Antetokounmpo trades.

The two-time NBA MVP appeared to react to Thursday's news in an Instagram post:

After moving away from potential Antetokounmpo deals, the Bucks quickly got another trade done. Charania reported that Milwaukee sent Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis. Charania went on to explain the shift in philosophy with Thursday's deal:

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Thursday's episode of First Take that the Heat "were still trying to make moves to improve their offer that they can make to Milwaukee." He also reported that the Timberwolves were "also very aggressively trying to get Giannis," but they have since "moved on."

Despite being the subject of trade rumors for most of the season, Antetokounmpo recently told The Athletic's Eric Nehm that he wants to finish his career with the Bucks.

"Brother, if you ask me deep down what I want today, I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career," Antetokounmpo told Nehm. "I want to win here, another championship. And if you can tell me that's possible, let's just hang up the phone."

While the 31-year-old could eventually get his wish, there's still a chance that the Bucks will reopen trade discussions over the summer. Milwaukee has a 20-29 record and is unlikely to contend for a playoff spot while Antetokounmpo is still recovering from a calf injury, so a disappointing end to the year could push the organization to explore the possibility of a rebuild.

According to The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Giannis "still plans on playing once he has fully recovered from his right calf strain to help the Bucks make a push for the postseason."

For now, teams that were dreaming of adding Antetokounmpo to their roster will have to focus on making other moves before Thursday's trade deadline.