Giannis speaks out after staying with the Bucks: Legends never chase, they attract naturally.

On February 6th Beijing time, after the trade deadline passed, Giannis stayed with the Bucks and was not moved to another team. He personally posted on social media after the deadline: "Legends never chase, they attract naturally." Giannis also reposted a film scene where Leonardo says, "I damn sure won’t leave, this is my home court."

Earlier, reporter Shams reported that the Bucks had clearly told other teams they intended to keep Giannis before the trade deadline and planned to build their roster around him. In the days leading up to the deadline, the Bucks were listening to offers from various teams, with the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves among the interested parties.

Last week, Shams reported that Giannis had been prepared to change teams for months, with potential timing either at the trade deadline or this summer’s offseason. Over the past week, the Bucks began seriously engaging with teams regarding offers for the two-time MVP, even entering negotiations and bargaining—a first during Giannis’s tenure with Milwaukee to reach this stage of trade talks.

However, sources told ESPN that the Bucks did not feel the need to rush a trade for Giannis before the deadline. Both sides expect to reassess potential trade options during the offseason.By summer, Giannis may have greater control over his next destination. He has the right to sign a contract extension on October 2nd, and since his current deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, this means only one guaranteed season remains on his current contract. Where he ultimately chooses to re-sign could determine the specific terms of the new agreement.

The Bucks have not completely given up hope of preserving the "Giannis era" and are actively seeking roster upgrades in the trade market. Although Milwaukee has won two consecutive games this week, the team still ranks 12th in the Eastern Conference, three wins behind the 10th-place Chicago Bulls.

The 31-year-old Giannis has been hampered by injuries this season, playing only 30 games, but still averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. On January 24th against the Nuggets, he suffered a right calf strain. He initially estimated the injury would sideline him for 4 to 6 weeks, though the team has not officially announced a return timeline. However, sources told ESPN that Giannis hopes to return this season once healed. Before this week’s home game in Milwaukee, he had already been practicing on the court to test his recovering calf.

Following the clear decision to stay, the Bucks’ first completed trade has been revealed. According to sources, the Bucks made a deal with the Phoenix Suns: Milwaukee sent Cole Anthony and Kofi to Phoenix, while Nick Richards and Hayes Davis were traded to the Bucks.

Cole Anthony was signed by the Bucks this summer on a one-year, $13 million contract. This season, he has averaged only 15.1 minutes per game and 6.7 points, marking a career low.