Bucks decision-makers are going to have ample time to evaluate how their team looks without Giannis Antetokounmpo while they weigh whether they should actually trade the two-time MVP.
Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for roughly two to four weeks with a right calf strain suffered Wednesday night, according to ESPN.
This absence comes shortly after ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo and his camp have begun discussions with the franchise regarding whether the best move for both parties is to stay together or go their separate ways.
Antetokounmpo suffered the injury in the first quarter of Monday’s 113-109 home win over the Pistons when he fell to the court without any contact and then hobbled off the floor.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers said his star underwent an MRI Wednesday night.
“I didn’t know what it was,” Rivers said. “I just wanted the trainers to attend to him, and right when they brought him in they took him to the hospital.”
He added: “I don’t think it was no-contact here either. … I thought the bump (before he fell) was what made him lose his balance.”
This timeline could mean Antetokounmpo does not play again until 2026, and it’s fair to wonder if he plays for the franchise again following the reveal of the talks between his camp and team executives.
ESPN reported two months ago that Antetokounmpo viewed the Knicks as the one team that he would entertain a trade to play for, but the talks did not progress far.
Antetokounmpo and his camp met with Bucks officials over the summer after the team waived Damian Lillard and acquired Pacers big man Myles Turner to discuss his future.
While Bucks brass believes they built a team that could contend for a title, Atetokounmpo had his doubts after three straight first-round playoff exits.
The Bucks are just 10-13 this season even after Wednesday’s win, raising plenty of questions about whether this team can challenge the Knicks, Pistons and Cavaliers in the East.
The team is just 1-5 without Antetokounmpo, and any extended absence could put the team in a potential hole entering the new year.
ESPN said a resolution is expected in the next few weeks regarding Antetokounmpo’s future, with one source telling the outlet the “writing is on the wall” barring an unexpected rebound.
The Knicks surely will be in the mix should Milwaukee opt to trade their franchise cornerstone, although plenty of other teams will line up and some will have more draft capital to offer.
Rivers dismissed the notion that Antetokounmpo has sought a trade.
“There have been no conversations,” Rivers said Wednesday. “I want to make it clear for, I would say one more time, but for the 50th time it clearly is not getting to one network, for sure. Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear.”
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