Golden State Warriors trade target Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Golden State Warriors trade target Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a tailspin with superstar forwardGiannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo, 31, has been sidelined the last five games — including Milwaukee’s 31-point smackdown at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers last night — with a left knee injury.
The ailment is just the latest in what has been a drama and injury-ridden season for Antetokounmpo, who was widely expected to get moved before the trade deadline last month.
The Bucks have gone just 12-24 this season without their 10-time All-Star in the lineup and, with how things seems to be trending, that winning percentage will continue to plummet, because the inevitable appears to suggest Antetokounmpo is spending his final weeks as a Buck.
Milwaukee Bucks Share Crucial Antetokounmpo Update
Early last week, in a game against the struggling Indiana Pacers, Antetokounmpo sustained a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise.
Earlier in the season, the 31-year-old Milwaukee star missed stretches because of strains in his right calf. It has been a largely uncomfortable season for a superstar who has been otherwise healthy over his legendary career. He has already missed more games this season than in any other over his 13 years in the Association.
On Wednesday, Bucks head coachprovided an update on Antetokounmpo’s recovery from the knee injury he suffered last week.
“He’s progressing,” Rivers said. “He’s just not healthy.”
Added Rivers: “We’re just trying to get Giannis clear and healthy. That’s our only focus. All the other stuff, we stay above.”
Amid Antetokounmpo’s battle with injuries this season, especially this most recent one, many have questioned if it is even worth playing the former league MVP again this season.
The Bucks have yet to crack 30 wins on the season and are buried at 11 place in the Eastern Conference standings. The franchise is nine games behind the 10-seeded Orlando Magic for the final play-in spot. It would effectively take a miracle for Milwaukee’s season to extend beyond the regular season.
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo has been adamant against sitting out this season. He has shut down the idea entirely and even told his team he wouldn’t miss games if and when he gets cleared to play.
The back-and-forth between the franchise and its superstar play has led to the National Basketball Players Associationaccusing the Bucks of tanking.
Bucks, Antetokounmpo Headed for a Divorce
It may seem long overdue, but Milwaukee no longer feels like a home for Antetokounmpo.
At 31, the former NBA Finals MVP is inching toward the latter stages of his prime. It would be almost flagrant to assume Antetokounmpo would stay put with the Bucks when the team’s chances of competing for a championship anytime in the near future are slim to none.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t been afraid to express his desire to compete for a second title. He has even commented publicly multiple times over the years about what it would take for him to remain a Buck, and each time his answer included having the opportunity to win.
Milwaukee tried making something happen by signingMyles Turner, who helped guide the Pacers to the NBA Finals last season, in the summer. But once star guardDamian Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon and was later traded back to the Trail Blazers, it felt like it was only a matter of time before Antetokounmpo’s days in Wisconsin were numbered.
It would perhaps take a miracle to keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee beyond July or August. Both sides have seemingly reached an expiry date in their relationship.
This 13-year ride, which featured a historic title in 2021, feels close to an end.