If Giannis Antetokounmpo needs a reminder of what happens when you try to win with only one franchise, he doesn’t need to look further than his teammate, Damian Lillard. For years, Dame was loyal to the Portland Trail Blazers, hoping the organization would support him with a team that could win. Unlike Lillard, Giannis won one title with the Milwaukee Bucks. But in the last several years, the Bucks have not gotten past the first round. For a player considered top three in the league, that is not enough. It’s unclear whether Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future will be in Milwaukee or not.
Giannis Shouldn’t Make the Same Mistake as Dame
The Milwaukee Bucks are down 0-2 in the first round of the playoffs again and look like the lesser team in their series against the Indiana Pacers. Giannis is doing everything in his power to will the team to victory. But he is overmatched, and it doesn’t seem like the Bucks can do anything to turn the tide. Even Dame’s return didn’t do much. NBA insider and analyst Chris Haynes recently talked about Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future.
“I don’t think so. This is going to be a pivotal playoffs. If they don’t get to the Finals, win the Finals. Or even make a deep run. You can probably see a lot of changes in Milwaukee. From the coaching staff, front office, players, it can be a pretty big wholesale if the Bucks do not make a deep playoff run. I can see them going in a different direction.” Haynes stated.
This report should be concerning for Bucks fans, and the upcoming offseason will undoubtedly be pivotal.
Giannis Cannot Do It Alone
Here is a stat that shows just how good Giannis is. In his last six healthy playoff games, Antetokounmpo has averaged 34.8 points, 17.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on 53% shooting from the floor. Despite all that, the Bucks are 0-6 in those games.
No NBA player in recent history has won an NBA title all by himself. Giannis had a great team back when the Bucks won the title. Even Dirk Nowitzki had a well-rounded team during his amazing run in 2011.
The Bucks’ Future is Bleak, With or Without Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks do not control their draft future until the 2031 draft. They have either sent unprotected picks or swaps. Their payroll doesn’t look good either.
With Giannis, Dame, and Kyle Kuzma, the Bucks have more than $130 million tied up in salary for next season. Brook Lopez will be a free agent, and Bobby Portis has a player option. Right now, they have a projected salary of $164 million, but that is without Brook Lopez. Gary Trent Jr, Jericho Sims, and Taurean Prince will also be free agents.
They might lose half of their active roster and still be unable to sign a good free agent. For next season, the NBA projects the salary cap at $154 million and the luxury tax at $187 million. In other words, if the Bucks let half of their players walk, they can offer close to $20 million to a potential free agent.
The summer will be pivotal for the Bucks if they want to contend in the future. But all falls apart if Giannis asks for a trade. Asked after Game 2 about his future, Giannis said,
“My mindset right now is Game 3. I know the f------ deal man. I just know the deal. I know what I gotta do.”
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Future in Milwaukee?
Giannis will turn 31 years old next season. While he still plays like a top-three or top-five player in the league, the clock is ticking. One thing that can play into his decision. The East is getting better, and the Bucks are nowhere near the talent level of the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks. Even the Pacers look like too much to handle for the Bucks. The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic look like future perennial playoff teams with their young stars.
Giannis is signed through the 2026-27 season and has a player option for the 2027-28 season. But this might be the summer he asks out. He has talked about his desire to win multiple times, and it doesn’t look like he can do that in Milwaukee. Lillard had the same situation in Portland. Eventually, he got out of there a bit too late, not able to carry a team like a 1B option.
The Bucks are in panic mode. An early playoff exit will cause dramatic changes in the organization. Everything will be on the table. And right now, it seems like Giannis is doing everything he can to carry the team. But it might not be enough.
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