Milwaukee Stays Firm on Giannis; Injuries Mount for Charlotte; Washington Missing Key Shooters
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Bucks
Milwaukee remains focused on adding talent before the trade deadline and continues to shut down any interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Scotto told Sportsnet that multiple general managers have reached out to Bucks executive Jon Horst but “he’s not going anywhere.”
Antetokounmpo briefly weighed the possibility of a move last offseason, prompting exploratory talks with the New York Knicks, but discussions never advanced. ESPN reporters Jamal Collier and Shams Charania added that Milwaukee has no plans to trade the two-time MVP unless the request comes directly and explicitly from the star forward.
Hornets
Charlotte’s injury list expanded during Monday’s loss in Milwaukee. Rookies Kon Knueppel (right ankle sprain) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (left elbow sprain) were unavailable, and veteran forward Miles Bridges exited early after landing on Gary Trent Jr.’s foot and turning his right ankle. Head coach Charles Lee said Bridges would be re-evaluated at Tuesday’s practice, The Charlotte Observer reported.
With Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee both sidelined, Moussa Diabate has filled the center spot in the last three games, averaging 12.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists while converting nearly 79 percent of his shots. Diabate, on a non-guaranteed minimum contract, told RG.org’s Spencer Davies he is embracing the expanded role.
Wizards
Washington also remains thin. Forward Kyshawn George missed a second straight game Monday against Phoenix because of a left hip flexor strain. Sharpshooter Corey Kispert sat out for the third game in a row with a left hamstring injury; he has played only once since November 25 after previously dealing with a thumb issue. Kispert’s name has surfaced in trade discussions as the deadline approaches, per The Athletic’s Josh Robbins.
Source: Hoops Wire
