Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Bucks may not create a 'bad guy'

Reports say the Milwaukee Bucks are listening to offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo and many around the league view a trade as likely; Antetokounmpo is sidelined with a calf injury that will keep him out past the trade deadline.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a calf injury that will keep him out beyond next Thursday's trade deadline. Media reporting and league contacts say the Bucks are listening to offers for Antetokounmpo and that a trade is increasingly seen as a matter of timing. Milwaukee's recent losses and roster injuries have intensified debate about the franchise's direction. Both the player and the organization have expressed a desire to avoid being portrayed as the "bad guy" if a move happens. Key details: - Doc Rivers said he texted Antetokounmpo to praise him for attending retiring Bucks president Peter Feigin's key to the city event. - Antetokounmpo's calf injury will sideline him past the upcoming trade deadline. - The Bucks are 18-28, sit four games out of the play-in, and have had multiple injuries across the roster. - Reporters and people around the league say Milwaukee is listening to offers and many view a trade as likely either before the deadline or later this summer. - Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 2021 NBA title and was a major draw for attendance and downtown activity around Fiserv Forum. - In recent years the franchise made several high-profile changes, including trades for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, coaching changes, and the waive-and-stretch of Lillard's contract to sign Myles Turner. Summary: The situation has put a spotlight on both Antetokounmpo's legacy in Milwaukee and the club's efforts to remain competitive. Timing for any transaction is not fixed and could occur before the trade deadline or later in the summer. Undetermined at this time.