NBA teams push for Giannis Antetokounmpo trade ahead of deadline despite injury concerns

Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury in the Bucks’ 102-100 loss to the Nuggets on Friday night and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks. It is not the first time he has dealt with the issue this season, having previously injured the same leg earlier in the campaign.

Speaking after the game, Giannis said: “The next steps will be go to MRI tomorrow, after the MRI they will tell me probably I popped something in my calf, or my soleus, something. They'll probably give me a protocol of 4-6 weeks that I'll be out. This is from my experience being around in the NBA.

“After that, I'm going to work my butt off to come back. That will probably be the end of February, beginning of March. Hopefully the team will be in a place that we can at least make the Play-In or the playoffs. Just take it day-by-day, try to get better.”

Even with Antetokounmpo sidelined, his name remains one of the hottest on the trade market. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, multiple teams are actively pushing for a move and a deal could still materialise before the deadline, despite his injury status.

Fellow analyst Brian Windhorst described the situation by saying that “Giannis is the trade deadline” and that “the entire league is watching Giannis.” If a blockbuster move were to happen, it could set off a chain reaction of trades across the league, turning deadline day on 5 February into a chaotic scramble.

Giannis’ injury presents both risks and opportunities for the Bucks. On the downside, Milwaukee will be without their franchise player, who remains the team’s most important figure. This season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 30 games. The Bucks currently hold an 18-26 record, sitting four wins behind the 10th-placed Atlanta Hawks, and their playoff hopes could fade quickly without him.

On the other hand, the situation could allow Milwaukee to reassess their long-term direction. Trading Antetokounmpo would signal a full rebuild, potentially positioning the Bucks for a high pick in the 2026 NBA Draft rather than pushing desperately for a play-in spot.

Ultimately, the decision rests with both the Bucks and Antetokounmpo. In recent interviews, the two-time MVP initially insisted he would not request a trade, but his tone has reportedly shifted. His recent public criticism of teammates, calling them “selfish” and “not playing hard,” has only fuelled speculation. With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, rival teams are watching closely, ready to act if the situation escalates.