Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent calf injury is likely to sideline him for 4-6 weeks, influencing trade strategies across the NBA as the February 5 deadline approaches. The Milwaukee Bucks, currently 18-26, face decisions on whether to buy or tank, while teams like the Lakers and Knicks adjust their plans amid growing expectations of an eventual split between Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee. League insiders suggest any trade for the star forward will probably occur in the offseason rather than at the deadline.
Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury during the Milwaukee Bucks' loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday, believing something popped in his leg. He anticipates being out for 4-6 weeks, missing the February 5 NBA trade deadline. The Bucks sit at 18-26, outside the Eastern Conference play-in tournament if the season ended today.
Trade rumors have swirled around Antetokounmpo, with ESPN's Brian Windhorst noting that everyone in the league expects a divorce between him and Milwaukee eventually. Antetokounmpo told The Athletic he would never request a trade but could decline a contract extension this summer, leaving him on an expiring deal. This injury makes an in-season trade unlikely, as acquiring teams would hesitate to rush his return or rebuild schemes around an injured star.
For the Bucks, the focus shifts toward tanking to improve lottery odds. They hold swap rights with Atlanta on picks from New Orleans and themselves, potentially landing high selections in a loaded draft class. Rumors of pursuing Ja Morant or Zach LaVine now seem misguided.
The Miami Heat, at 23-22 and the No. 8 seed, may stay quiet to preserve assets for a future Antetokounmpo bid. The New York Knicks, desperate for a title, are advised to hold Karl-Anthony Towns as salary filler for a potential summer deal, given Antetokounmpo's preference for them.
The Los Angeles Lakers, entering the Luka Dončić era, emphasize patience. With limited assets like one future first-round pick and Austin Reaves' $13.9 million salary, they lack firepower for a deadline move. Insiders like Jake Fischer report a rising belief in an inevitable Bucks split, likely around the draft rather than now. In the offseason, the Lakers could offer up to three picks and $50 million in cap space, with Reaves as a key chip—he declined a $89.2 million extension and may seek over $120 million next.
The Portland Trail Blazers emerge as potential facilitators, holding Milwaukee's 2028-2030 picks from the Jrue Holiday-Damian Lillard trade. They admire New York’s Mikal Bridges (16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4 assists per game) and could join multi-team talks for Antetokounmpo. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, cannot afford to wait, needing moves to bolster Stephen Curry despite slim options post-Jimmy Butler's ACL injury.
Antetokounmpo’s contract adds pressure: $58.4 million next season and a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, expected to be declined. League sources bluntly state, “It’s happening,” signaling a transformative summer ahead.
