NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with his mother, Veronica Antetokounmpo (Kevin Mazur/Getty)

In the one-click-away world of NBA, a single comment, like, share, or post can shift the game’s landscape, especially when it is shared by the matriarch of the Antetokounmpo family. The Bucks’ fandom is currently spiraling down into a panic zone after Giannis’ mother, Veronica Antetokounmpo, posted a throwback image of Giannis at the Heat’s arena on January 28, 2026. With the Bucks currently dealing with a disastrous 18-27 season, and Giannis’ trade rumors reaching a fever pitch, this shared photo by Giannis’ mom seems like the first sign of a franchise-altering earthquake. The league’s power structure depends on this trade, and Mama Antetokounmpo has hinted that the family finally seems ready to embrace the heat.

Giannis’ mom shares a throwback image igniting trade heat

Veronica Antetokounmpo took to Facebook to share a throwback photo featuring a younger Giannis standing on the hardwood of the Kaseya Center, with the Miami Heat logo clearly visible. While some may dismiss it as a simple trip down memory lane, the timing of the post is impossible to ignore. As just hours earlier, reports surfaced about Giannis officially informing the Bucks he is “ready for a new home.” Giannis’ mom’s post didn’t just share a memory, she provided a roadmap for her son’s future. The 31-year old Greek-Nigerian sensation is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting at an efficiency of 64.5% from the field and 39.5% from the three-point line. Giannis, on January 23, came down with a self-diagnosed calf strain, which, as per protocol, would keep him sidelined through February.

Will the Bucks move their franchise icon?

The current situation between the Bucks and Giannis has reached a boiling point, with the latter continuously expressing his frustration and disappointment with the inconsistent performance of the current roster. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Giannis is officially “ready for a new home” and has expressed openness for a change in view before the February 5 trade deadline. “Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason as several rival teams make aggressive offers… and the franchise is starting to listen,” Charania reported.The two-time MVP earlier this month stated that t he would “never” request a trade as it is “not in his nature,” but Giannis’ patience seems to be running thin after continuous losses. The Bucks’ front office is not in a rush to pull the trigger as they want tomake the most out of Giannis’ trade with young talents and multiple first-round picks.