Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Bucks’ uncertain future with Giannis Antetokounmpo is reflected in a cubist, fragmented illustration capturing the team’s struggles this season.Boston Today
After the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated from playoff contention, head coach Doc Rivers lamented the team’s injury-plagued season and the uncertain future of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the Bucks likely to finish with their worst record since Antetokounmpo’s rookie year, the two-time MVP’s long-term commitment to the franchise has come into question.
Why it matters
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the centerpiece of the Bucks’ franchise, and his potential departure would be a major blow to the team and the city of Milwaukee. The Bucks have built their team around Antetokounmpo, and his exit could force a complete rebuild and reset the franchise’s timeline.
The details
Antetokounmpo has played a career-low 36 games this season due to injuries, and he is unlikely to play again this year. Bucks co-owner Wes Edens acknowledged that if Antetokounmpo declines to sign a contract extension, the team will have no choice but to trade him. This could spark a bidding war among contenders like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, which could set Milwaukee up for a post-Antetokounmpo future.
On Sunday, shortly after Milwaukee was eliminated from playoff contention, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers lamented over the last two seasons.With 29 wins, Milwaukee is likely to finish with its worst record since the 15-win 2013–14 season—Antetokounmpo’s rookie year.
The players
The two-time NBA MVP and centerpiece of the Bucks’ franchise, who has played a career-low 36 games this season due to injuries.
Doc Rivers
The Bucks’ head coach, who expressed disappointment over the team’s injury-plagued season and the uncertain future of Antetokounmpo.
Wes Edens
The Bucks’ co-owner and team governor, who acknowledged that the team will have to trade Antetokounmpo if he declines to sign a contract extension.
Jon Horst
Milwaukee’s creative top basketball executive, who will have to work to keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee or orchestrate a trade that sets the team up for the future.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“It’s been disappointing, obviously. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t had a healthy stretch and it’s been your key guys. It’s been Giannis. It’s been Dame [Lillard] … This year, having only one quote-unquote star, every other team has two and three. We needed health. We were thin … All the talk [around Giannis] and all that stuff probably didn’t help either.”
— Doc Rivers, Bucks Head Coach
“If Antetokounmpo declines to sign an extension, Milwaukee will have no choice but to trade him.”
— Wes Edens, Bucks Co-Owner and Team Governor
What’s next
The Bucks will have three first-round picks available to be traded on draft night, along with the moveable contracts of Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis, as they try to build a roster that can convince Antetokounmpo to stay. If he declines to sign an extension, the team will have to orchestrate a trade that sets them up for the future.
The takeaway
The Bucks’ disappointing season and Antetokounmpo’s injury woes have raised serious questions about the franchise’s long-term future. Milwaukee will have to get creative this offseason to either keep their superstar or execute a trade that maximizes his value and sets the team up for success in the post-Antetokounmpo era.