With Giannis Antetokounmpo set to miss at least the next two to four weeks with a calf strain, there is a chance he has played his last game with the Milwaukee Bucks. Hours before the injury, rumors were born that the Greek Freak and his agent were gearing up to explore trade options. If things pick up steam in that regard, the Bucks may move him before he's ready to come back.
Bucks fans may never see Giannis in a Bucks jersey again
December 15 is the crucial date here. While Giannis could be traded right now, several teams wouldn't be able to make their strongest offer, as a good chunk of free agents won't become trade-eligible until then. Giannis will still be out by then, in all likelihood, so a deal could go down before he returns from this calf injury if that is the road the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately choose to go down here.
Giannis hasn't asked for a trade yet. Rumors suggest that he could, particularly with an interest in the New York Knicks, but it has not yet gotten to that point. If the Milwaukee Bucks struggle to win games without Giannis, a possibility after they just went on an abysmal losing streak without him, the forward may make it clear he wants to hit the hardwood again elsewhere sooner rather than later.
If so, Giannis' last game as a Buck will have come against the Detroit Pistons, where he logged just three minutes before exiting with this calf strain. It did end in an exhilarating win, although Giannis wasn't on the floor for it.
Of course, there is a chance Giannis returns to Milwaukee once he's healthy. Maybe the Bucks string together some wins and look rejuvenated, convincing him to stay put. Maybe no one makes a strong enough offer and the Bucks decide to keep Giannis until someone does. That NBA Trade Deadline isn't until February, so there is no immediate rush to get a deal done.
Right now, it's all about the waiting game. Giannis has to make it crystal clear whether he wants to stay or go. All of the reports make it appear he's right in the middle. The Milwaukee Bucks cannot act until they know how to proceed. After everything Giannis and the fans have been through, it is tough to think the Greek Freak's time with the franchise may be over and no one knows it yet.
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