NBA Notes: Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hornets, Moussa Diabate, Wizards

Bucks

The Bucks continue to signal that they plan to buy, not sell, ahead of the trade deadline. And that includes shutting down any conversation involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype said during a recent Sportsnet appearance that teams around the league have tried and failed, to get traction in talks with Milwaukee.

“I’ve spoken to plenty of GMs that would love to have Giannis and have tried to talk to Bucks GM Jon Horst,” Scotto said. “Quite frankly, he’s not going anywhere. The Bucks have been steadfast.”

Antetokounmpo did at least entertain the idea of a possible change last offseason, leading Milwaukee to briefly explore trade scenarios with the Knicks.

Those talks never progressed, and league sources told ESPN that the Bucks have no plans to move their two-time MVP.

If anything changes, it would likely require a far more direct request from Antetokounmpo, according to Jamal Collier and Shams Charania.

“The question is who is going to get made uncomfortable,” one league source told ESPN. “There’s a difference between saying it out loud and innuendos. They know Giannis doesn’t want to be the villain.”

Hornets

Injuries continue to pile up for Charlotte.

Rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner were among the players sidelined for Monday’s loss to Milwaukee, with Knueppel dealing with a right ankle sprain and Kalkbrenner nursing a left elbow sprain.

The Hornets also lost veteran forward Miles Bridges early in the game after he landed on Gary Trent Jr.’s foot and turned his right ankle. Bridges exited in visible discomfort and did not return.

Coach Charles Lee said the team would evaluate Bridges at practice Tuesday, per Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer.

Meanwhile, with Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee both out, Moussa Diabate has stepped in at center and delivered.

Diabate has started three straight games, averaging 12.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting nearly 79 percent from the field.

Spencer Davies of RG.org recently spoke with Diabate about his emergence, which has turned a non-guaranteed minimum deal into a quiet bargain for Charlotte.

Wizards

Washington remains short-handed as well.

Forward Kyshawn George missed a second straight game Monday against Phoenix due to a left hip flexor strain, while sharpshooter Corey Kispert sat out for a third consecutive game with a left hamstring issue, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic.

Kispert has appeared in just one game since November 25, also having dealt with a thumb injury, and he has been mentioned in trade conversations around the league as the deadline approaches.