At first glance, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s latest calf injury, which is expected to sideline him for at least a month, would seem to lock him into staying with the Bucks for the rest of the season. Any team considering a blockbuster trade would likely want some level of confidence in his health and his ability to contribute to a playoff run. With the uncertainty that comes with a calf injury, those assurances simply do not exist right now.
Despite the injury questions, Antetokounmpo’s value remains impossible to overlook, and teams are still lining up to gauge Milwaukee’s stance. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that interest around the league remains strong, with multiple teams continuing to pursue the Bucks star.
“One of my most consistently clutch sources passed along Sunday that multiple teams continue to try to engage the Bucks on a Giannis deal that they would like to consummate before the Feb. 5 deadline …. even though Antetokounmpo himself says he will be sidelined for at least four-to-six weeks by his latest calf injury incurred Friday night,” Stein reported.
Players like Antetokounmpo rarely hit the trade market
Dec 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in a time out during the first half agains the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
True franchise players like Antetokounmpo are few and far between, making it understandable why Milwaukee is determined to keep him in place. Giannis has previously expressed his desire to remain in the Cream City, dismissing earlier reports that suggested he was seeking a trade away from the organization he has represented since 2013.
The Bucks have continued to slide and now sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with an 18-26 record. Their outlook grew even more uncertain after Giannis Antetokounmpo announced he will miss a significant stretch of time due to a calf injury.
Dec 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in a time out during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
For now, Milwaukee seems content to hold its ground. Stein reports that the Bucks remain reluctant to part with their franchise centerpiece, despite the concerns surrounding his injury.