Uncertainty is starting to encroach on the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason as all-world forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly considering options for his NBA future. The 30-point scorer has played in Milwaukee since he was drafted in 2013, winning a title with the franchise in 2021. But aside from that single championships, the Bucks have languished during his tenure, including a first-round playoffs exit this season.
Shams Charania of ESPN cites league sources saying the distance between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks may be widening”
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.
This confirms statements made by Antetokounmpo earlier this season:
“Me not having a second championship — I look back at my career and everybody can say, ‘Oh, incredible career, active Hall of Famer, first ballot, whatever.’ But me, my personal goal, if I am not able to help my team win a second ring, I’m letting down myself,” Antetokounmpo said during an appearance with his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, last month on the “Thanalysis Show” podcast.
The Bucks made a huge move in 2023 to bolster the lineup around their MVP forward, acquiring point guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard has performed adequately but the Bucks have not progressed with him at the helm.
As a result of that trade, the Blazers hold the right to swap picks with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030. While deemed speculative at the time, one optimal scenario stemming from that deal had Milwaukee trading Antetokounmpo then heading towards the bottom of the NBA rankings to rebuild. Portland will be interested in the progress and fallout from any swap involving Antetokounmpo.