Bucks Dealt Concerning News on Giannis Antetokounmpo
After a third straight first-round playoff exit, including two losses to the Indiana Pacers, the biggest question the Milwaukee Bucks is facing is the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Nigerian-Greek superstar has not publicly requested a trade. Under contract until 2028 with a $62.8 million player option, Antetokounmpo has remain loyal to the franchise that drafted him in 2013 and led to a NBA championship in 2021.
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But with Damian Lillard going down with an Achillies tear in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Pacers, the possibility of a franchise altering move became more likely.
The Bucks have no future assets after trading away a haul for Lillard, meaning they likely won't be able to build a roster that can compete for a championship. That is not acceptable for Antetokounmpo who is in the prime of his career.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots the ball over Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam in Game 5 of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
On Monday, coinciding with the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, Shams Charania of ESPN gave a crucial update on Antetokounmpo during an episode of 'Get Up.'
"The two-time NBA MVP has not made any firm decisions on his Bucks future after the franchise's third consecutive postseason exit in the first round, but for the first time in his career, Antetokounmpo is open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere, league sources told ESPN."
Since their 2021 championship win, the Bucks have struggled to build a title-contending team around Antetokounmpo, who is still in his prime, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season. The move for Lillard hasn't lived up to expectations and his recent injury has jeopardized the future of the franchise.
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The Bucks are among the league's older teams, lacking young talent to either develop or trade. They are also limited by the salary cap with big chunks taken by Antetokounmpo and Lillard's $54.1 million next season.
'Any conversations surrounding the perennial All-NBA superstar and 2021 NBA champion start primarily with where he believes his long-term future lies and whether there is a franchise outside of Milwaukee that is sensible for him,' Charania wrote.
What team that may be remains to be seen. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets have become early contenders. The Draft Lottery might also become a factor in this ongoing drama.
Related: NBA Trade Idea Sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Rockets in Three-Team Deal
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