Overview
- Giannis Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade, according to coach Doc Rivers and reporting by Chris Haynes, who says the star told teammates to tune out rumors.
- Milwaukee has not made Antetokounmpo available and is exploring roster upgrades to keep him, with recent due diligence on Zach LaVine reported by Sam Amick, Marc Stein and Eric Nehm.
- Antetokounmpo remains sidelined by a right calf strain suffered on December 3, with reports indicating an absence of at least one to three weeks.
- Marc Stein reports the Bucks are unlikely to field offers unless Antetokounmpo explicitly directs them to do so, with some rivals expecting any decision window to come before the February 5 deadline.
- Sam Amick reports the Knicks and Heat rank among Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations, and the slimmer field could increase their chances while keeping possibilities alive for other contenders.