Giannis Antetokounmpo bemoans Bucks' chemistry issues, 'selfish' play as trade rumors continue

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Jan 22, 2026

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NEW YORK — Amid widespread trade speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo bemoaned the “selfish” play of his Milwaukee Bucks following another blowout loss.

Antetokounmpo pointed to chemistry issues after Wednesday night’s 122-102 defeat by the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

The loss was Milwaukee’s fourth in the last five games, with three of those defeats coming by double figures.

“We’re not playing hard,” Antetokounmpo said. “We aren’t doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry’s not there. Guys are being selfish. Guys are trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys trying to do it on their own.”

Antetokounmpo has been critical of the Bucks’ effort in the past — including after a November 2024 loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden — but this week’s comments took on extra attention considering the uncertainty around the two-time NBA MVP’s future.

Earlier Wednesday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that teams throughout the league expect Antetokounmpo and the Bucks to break up eventually.

“Teams do believe this is gonna be a divorce,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown.”

“I know what Giannis is on the record as saying. I know what Doc [Rivers] is on the record as saying. The Bucks, to my knowledge, are still not taking phone calls on Giannis. They’re only making outgoing calls. Having said that, I can just tell you that the teams are just poised, thinking that this could end up being a separation at some point.”

The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5.

Back in October, ESPN reported Antetokounmpo had eyed the Knicks as a possible destination, and that the Knicks and Bucks discussed what a trade might look like.

Knicks owner James Dolan has since said he was unaware of any offseason trade talks involving Antetokounmpo, telling WFAN a little over two weeks ago, “I don’t see us making a big change” and that “this group can win a championship.”

In December, ESPN reported Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were discussing whether it made sense for the 31-year-old forward to continue his career somewhere else.

But earlier this month, Antetokounmpo said he “will never” request a trade from Milwaukee.

“My plan is to be here for the rest of my career,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic at the time. “If they don’t want me … I’m not the one in charge. I am an employee.”

Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game this season, but the Bucks are just 18-25 and outside of the Eastern Conference’s playoff field.

Since winning the NBA Finals in 2021, the Bucks have won only one playoff series. They have been eliminated in the first round of the postseason in each of the past three years.