Giannis Antetokounmpo makes promise to Bucks fans after early playoff exit

Milwaukee, a No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, lost this spring in six games to Indiana, a No. 6 seed. That came just one season after the Bucks fell victim to an 8-over-1 upset by the Miami Heat in the first round. Antetokounmpo did not play in the Pacers series because of a left soleus strain that he had suffered weeks prior.

The former MVP led the Bucks to the NBA title in 2021, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to interpret Antetokounmpo’s remarks as a promise that the team will return to championship contention. The pathway is there as well since Antetokounmpo recently agreed to a significant new extension with the team that keeps him under contract through at least 2027 (with a player option for 2027-28). Veteran running mate Damian Lillard also remains signed through 2026 (with a player option for 2026-27).

But the danger is that the Bucks, as currently constructed, may slowly be aging out of their championship window. Antetokounmpo is still young at 29. But Lillard will be 34 in July, Khris Middleton will be 33 in August and Brook Lopez recently turned 36 himself. Some fresh roster reinforcements may be needed this offseason, particularly with one of Milwaukee’s current veterans angling for a pay raise.