The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have already dominated the NBA headlines today over rumors of his desire for a trade growing stronger. However, another story ends the night involving these parties after Antetokounmpo suffered an injury. Milwaukee saw Antetokounmpo falling down via a non-contact injury against the Detroit Pistons.
Time stood still when Antetokounmpo asked for the team to call a timeout and required help getting back up. A right calf injury forced Giannis back to the locker room before the team ruled him out for the rest of the game. Antetokounmpo was shocked himself by being unable to get back up once sitting on the floor and realizing an injury occurred.
Discussion about the Bucks trading Antetokounmpo now takes second priority to Giannis’ health being in doubt. A severe injury could change both the potential of a trade taking place and the entire vision of Milwaukee’s season. The team’s struggle during Antetokounmpo’s injuries prove they need him active to have any chance at success.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Suffered Same Injury Before
Last season saw Antetokounmpo having a similar injury to his calf in the exact same scenario. A game between Milwaukee and the Boston Celtics saw Antetokounmpo falling and being surprised at the pain preventing him from standing. The Bucks had a difficult season due to both Giannis and Damian Lillard constantly dealing with injuries to prevent that experiment from reaching full potential.
An extended time out for Antetokounmpo would likely end the Bucks season since they are already struggling to get wins and must make up ground. The gap widening and the rumors of Antetokounmpo wanting out will continue to sink them lower in the standings. Milwaukee quickly ruling Giannis out for the rest of the game is not the best sign.
Antetokounmpo’s future is already a top talking point, and this injury adding to another failed season just makes it worse. Head coach Doc Rivers tried to avoid controversy by making it clear the Greek Freak has yet to demand a trade. However, more bad news mounting could be a ticking time bomb on their future together.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Still Be Traded?
The discussion over Milwaukee trading Antetokounmpo may cool down in the short-term future of a deal getting done over the next few weeks. However, the season in doubt for the Bucks could see them desiring a faster turnaround to start their rebuild. Antetokounmpo sitting out games and waiting until the trade deadline for a move is still quite realistic.
The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are the top two teams reportedly interested in offering enticing packages to the Bucks. Antetokounmpo has expressed a desire to play for the Knicks, but other teams could easily enter the equation with such a respected franchise player potentially on the market.
NBA fans will be treated to an exciting trade deadline with Giannis as a massive name that could move quickly. The hamstring injury should not last beyond a month or two to ensure that the timing would still see Antetokounmpo as a top trade target. Milwaukee must make a big decision that the future of the franchise hangs on.
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