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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss approximately two to four weeks due to a right calf strain he sustained during the Bucks' win against the Detroit Pistons Wednesday (December 3) night, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Shams Charania on Thursday (December 4).
"Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for approximately 2 to 4 weeks with a right calf strain, sources tell ESPN," Charania wrote on his X account.
Antetokounmpo's injury occurred on a non-contact play three minutes into the first quarter of the Bucks' 113-109 win Wednesday night. The two-time NBA MVP fell to the floor while attempting to get back on defense and was helped off the court by teammates before walking off gingerly and heading to the locker room.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers immediately dismissed concerns about a potential Achilles injury while speaking to reporters after the game after Antetokounmpo underwent a preliminary MRI. The forward had previously missed four games last month due to a left groin strain, but returned for three games prior to Wednesday's injury.
The injury occurred hours after Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis are reportedly having conversations about whether staying in Milwaukee or pursuing a move elsewhere is best for his NBA future.
"Just in: Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis have started conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP's future – and discussing whether his best fit is staying or elsewhere, sources tell ESPN. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks," Charania wrote on his X account.
The New York Knicks had previously expressed interest in Antetokounmpo and engaged in trade talks with the Bucks in August, Charania reported at the time.
The two-time NBA MVP was reported to have bought into the vision of Bucks general manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers, but sources claimed he'd examine the team's first 25 or so games before making a long-term decision on his NBA future. Milwaukee is currently 9-13 through its first 22 games and has lost eight of its last nine, ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Several sources told Charania that the losing was frustrating for Antetokounmpo, as well as members of the front office, coaching staff and roster, but one source specified that "the writing is on the wall" and expects the franchise player to move on unless there's a dramatic shift in the team's season. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, one year after winning back-to-back NBA MVP awards.
The nine-time All-Star is currently averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists through his first 16 games of the 2025-26 NBA season.