TITLE: Injuries to Morant, Antetokounmpo Cloud NBA Trade Deadline; Knicks, Pelicans Weigh Options
SLUG: injuries-to-morant-giannis-shape-trade-deadline-outlook
CONTENT:
Key injuries to two marquee players are reshaping the outlook for the upcoming NBA trade deadline, league sources told multiple outlets.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reports that Memphis guard Ja Morant will miss a minimum of three weeks with an elbow sprain, while Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo exited Friday’s game with a right calf strain expected to sideline him four to six weeks.
Morant Market Cools
Bontemps notes that interest in Morant was already muted because of durability concerns. The All-Star has appeared in only 20 games this season and 79 over the past three years. His remaining contract—$42.2 million next season and $44.9 million in 2027/28—further complicates negotiations, as does his shooting slump (41% from the field, 23.5% from three-point range).
Bucks Face Uncertain Stretch Without Giannis
Milwaukee sits at 18-26, and a month-plus absence for Antetokounmpo could push the club out of postseason contention. According to Bontemps, the Bucks might pivot toward draft positioning and evaluate whether the two-time MVP is willing to sign a summer extension.
Knicks Eye Yabusele Deal, Monitor Alvarado
SNY’s Ian Begley says New York is expected to shop Guerschon Yabusele, with San Antonio viewed as a logical landing spot because of the forward’s prior experience alongside Victor Wembanyama on France’s national team. Begley adds that the Knicks have interest in Pelicans guard José Alvarado and does not anticipate a move involving Karl-Anthony Towns.
Pelicans Fielding Calls
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that New Orleans continues to receive inquiries on Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Saddiq Bey. While no agreements are imminent, league executives expect the Pelicans to be active before the deadline.
Clippers Coach Downplays Major Moves
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue told The Athletic he does not foresee significant transactions for his team. “If a team’s trying to trade for you, then somebody wants you,” Lue said. “In our situation, I don’t see much movement.”
With the deadline approaching and several contenders in flux, front offices continue to weigh short-term needs against long-term strategy.
Source: Hoops Rumors
