Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will officially remain with their respective teams through the trade deadline.
While the stars were the two biggest headlines throughout the entire 2026 trade season, both franchises ultimately held on to their superstars, albeit for different reasons.
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According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks were listening to offers for Antetokounmpo, but weren’t exactly impressed and decided to focus on making other moves before the 3 p.m. deadline.
Shortly after this announcement, Milwaukee acquired Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey.
The Memphis Grizzlies were reportedly in a different situation with Morant. After multiple teams were intrigued by Morant, none of them decided to make a serious offer.
While many fans expected both stars to be moved to new teams, this year’s trade deadline was still one to remember. James Harden was shipped from the L.A. Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers before they sent Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers.
Anthony Davis saw his time with the Dallas Mavericks end as he was sent to the nation’s capital to play with Trae Young on the Washington Wizards.
The Memphis Grizzlies decided to buy into their rebuild by sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, which is why the lack of a Ja Morant trade is so puzzling.
Ultimately, the top two trade targets remained in place, but the deadline was anything but quiet.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
