Giannis Antetokounmpo left Milwaukee’s 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night with a right calf injury. The two-time MVP, who has dealt with calf problems throughout the season, expects to miss four to six weeks—a timeline that would keep him out past the February 5 NBA trade deadline.
Calf problems persist for Giannis
Antetokounmpo has been battling calf issues all season. He missed over three weeks in December with a right soleus strain and was playing under a minutes restriction against Denver. He still put up 22 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, but his movement was visibly limited. Bucks coach Doc Rivers pulled him with 34 seconds remaining.
“I was feeling it the majority of the game, but did not want to stop playing,” Giannis said postgame. “But at the end, I could not move. I had to stop.” He’s scheduled for an MRI and expects the results to confirm another calf strain, which would sideline him into March.
Trade speculation picks up
The Bucks are 18-26 and outside the playoff picture, and trade rumors involving Antetokounmpo have grown louder. When asked about his future with the team, Giannis was measured: “I take it day-by-day.”
He has been openly critical of his teammates recently, calling out selfish play after a 20-point loss to Oklahoma City. Those comments, combined with Milwaukee’s struggles, have only added to the speculation—even though Giannis has previously said he would “never” request a trade.
What it means for Milwaukee
The timing is rough for the Bucks. They’ve lost five of their last seven games, and losing Giannis for an extended stretch makes their playoff push significantly harder with the trade deadline approaching.
Rivers didn’t sound optimistic about the injury. “I don’t think it looks great, personally,” he said. The medical staff will continue to evaluate Giannis, but the uncertainty around his health—and his long-term future in Milwaukee—hangs over everything the Bucks do between now and February 5.
The rest of the league will be watching to see how Milwaukee handles the deadline. Giannis being sidelined could complicate any potential moves. For now, the Bucks have to find a way to tread water without their best player while front office decisions loom.