Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors just took a very real turn

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks future is suddenly looking a lot less like “day-to-day” and a lot more like “maybe never again.”

Henry Abbott of TrueHoop reports that Antetokounmpo — sidelined with a right calf injury expected to cost him four to six weeks — may never suit up for Milwaukee again.

That is not speculation lightly tossed around.

“Over his last five games, the Bucks have been minus-55 with Giannis on the court,” Abbott wrote. “Sources say he may never appear in a Bucks uniform again.”

If that line didn’t get the league’s attention, this one will. Abbott also reports Antetokounmpo was close to firing longtime agent Alex Saratsis, with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports angling to represent him, aided in part by conversations with Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

In other words, the basketball drama may soon be matched by agent drama.

Milwaukee is sitting in 11th place in the East, has exited in the first round three straight years, and is now staring at life without its franchise cornerstone for at least a month. The Bucks are 3-11 without Antetokounmpo this season, and that math is not encouraging.

Antetokounmpo, still averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists, has already been linked to the Knicks, Heat, Warriors, Lakers, Hawks and Nets. 

He makes $54.1 million this year, owns a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28, and holds no no-trade clause. 

Buckle up, fellow hoopheads. The Feb. 5 deadline is coming fast.