Bucks in discussions with Giannis Antetokounmpo about leaving team; Giannis gets injured soon after report

The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly begun discussions with Giannis Antetokounmpo regarding his long-term role with the team, exploring whether he remains in Milwaukee or pursues opportunities elsewhere, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Sources indicate that a decision could be reached in the coming weeks.

Shortly after the report surfaced, Antetokounmpo suffered a non-contact calf strain during the Bucks game against the Detroit Pistons. The exact severity of the injury and the expected recovery time were initially unclear. The incident occurred in the first quarter, and the Bucks promptly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

Prior to the matchup, head coach Doc Rivers emphasized that Antetokounmpo had not requested a trade. "Giannis has never asked to be traded," Rivers told reporters, stressing that neither he nor the Bucks front office had engaged in trade discussions with the player or his agent, Alex Saratsis.

With the Bucks struggling to a 9-13 start and sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, speculation about Antetokounmpo's future has intensified. The nine-time All-Star and two-time NBA MVP, who led Milwaukee to its second NBA championship in 2021, remains one of the leagues premier talents. However, the team has struggled to contend since that title, prompting considerations of a potential rebuild if he were to leave.

Since winning the 2021 championship, the Bucks have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs, experiencing first-round exits in the last three seasons. Key teammates from that championship team, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, are no longer with the franchise. Efforts to pair Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard ended prematurely when Lillard suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last year.

This season began promisingly for Milwaukee with a 6-3 record, including a victory over the New York Knicks, a team frequently linked to Antetokounmpo in trade rumors. However, a 3-10 slump followed, compounded by Antetokounmpo missing four games due to a groin injury. Social media activity by the star player, including removing Bucks mentions, has further fueled speculation about his satisfaction with the team.

Amid trade chatter, Antetokounmpo recently reaffirmed his desire to compete for championships, stating that he wants to be on a team that strives for high-level success. Currently, he is under a three-year, $186 million contract extension signed in 2023, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.

While the potential trade and long-term future remain in question, the immediate focus is now on Antetokounmpos calf injury and the impact on the Bucks season.

Author: Jackson Miller