Changing NBA landscape could help Bucks keep Giannis Antetokounmpo

As the official start of the NBA offseason nears, the one star everyone is watching closely is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Coming off another first-round exit in the playoffs, there has been endless speculation about him departing from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Antetokounmpo has long been one of the NBA's most loyal stars, but their recent playoff shortcomings seem to be weighing on him. Earlier this month, Shams Charania reported that the former MVP has an open-mindedness about playing somewhere other than Milwaukee.

Despite Charania's reporting, Antetokounmpo has yet to actually ask the Bucks for a trade. In the meantime, the franchise is doing everything it can to try and convince him to stay. One thing that could aid them in this is the changing landscape in the NBA.

Aside from Antetokounmpo, the Boston Celtics are a team the basketball world will be watching closely this summer. Not only did they fall short of repeating as champions, but Jayson Tatum is going to miss an extended period due to an Achilles injury.

Between Tatum missing extended time and rumors of Boston breaking up its core, the East could look very different next year. Knowing this, the Bucks are hoping this factor can be enough to keep Antetokounmpo around for at least another season, according to insider Marc Stein. 

"Word is that the Bucks are trying to build a good bit of their case for convincing Antetokounmpo to give them another shot to build a title team around him by loudly reminding him about the current state of the Eastern Conference,” Stein wrote.

While the East will be a little weaker with Tatum out, it still doesn't overlook the fact the Bucks are stuck. Damian Lillard will also be out for an extended period, and the front office has minimal assets to try and improve the roster. So while the competition around them is weakening, there's no real path for them to climb the ranks. 

As an all-time talent still playing at his peak, Antetokounmpo has a very tough decision to make this summer. If adding another title is truly his top goal, he might have to embrace a change of scenery.