"Antetokounmpo, a 10-time All-Star power forward, appears to be trapped on a doomed 18-26 Milwaukee Bucks roster that lacks control over most of its future draft picks and is paying Damian Lillard $22.5 million a year over the next five seasons to not play. Milwaukee currently sits behind the Bulls and Atlanta Hawks in the East standings as the No. 11 seed."
"Despite years of off-court shenanigans, two-time All-Star Memphis Grizzlies point guard Morant has remained incredibly popular in Tennessee. But as the oft-hurt 26-year-old's health has led to some athletic decline, he appears to have grown tired of new Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo's offensive approach. Sporting an 18-25 record, the Grizzlies are currently the No. 12 seed in the crowded Western Conference, but still just 1.5 games outside of the play-in tournament bracket."
"Sans Jimmy Butler, the Golden State Warriors seem likely to free-fall out of the postseason race - barring a second straight blockbuster trade at the deadline. So both Memphis and Milwaukee at least had a legitimate shot at making the play-in with their priciest players healthy, but were likely not good enough to survive long. Now, it's possible that their postseason hopes could be over."
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant will be sidelined through the Feb. 5 trade deadline due to new injuries. Antetokounmpo reaggravated a right calf strain and anticipates being out at least four to six weeks. The Milwaukee Bucks sit 18-26, lack control over most future draft picks, and are carrying Damian Lillard's $22.5 million annual salary while behind the Bulls and Hawks in the East. Morant remains popular in Tennessee but has shown athletic decline and appears frustrated with new coach Tuomas Iisalo's offense. The 18-25 Grizzlies are 1.5 games outside the play-in. Both teams' playoff hopes and trade leverage now face serious jeopardy.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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