Giannis Antetokounmpo's Bucks future is far from certain

Approaching 31 years old, Giannis Antetokounmpo is in his prime. Unfortunately, the Milwaukee Bucks have struggled to build a competitive roster around him since winning the 2021 NBA title.

The Damian Lillard chapter ended in disappointment. Now, with Lillard costing the franchise almost $25 million in dead cap space for the next five years, the Bucks have pivoted to Myles Turner to give Giannis the help he needs. That said, confidence in the Bucks is at an all-time low. They've been bounced out of the playoffs in the opening round for the past three seasons.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Giannis is keeping his options open when it comes to potentially leaving the Bucks. 

"It is expected that Antetokounmpo will keep his options open depending on how the Bucks start the season, according to league sources," Charania reported. "From the outset of the Bucks' season, the pressure is apparent throughout the organization like never before."

Head coach Doc Rivers understands the task at hand. Not only must he ensure the Bucks are among the favorites in the Eastern Conference, but he can ill-afford a slow start to the campaign. Teams from around the NBA will undoubtedly be watching Giannis' situation in Milwaukee, as they keep tabs on one of the best players in the league. 

The issue is that the Bucks have multiple new players to integrate. Furthermore, Giannis will likely be handling the ball more than ever due to the lack of a genuine point guard. So, not only does Rivers need to ensure Milwaukee is competitive from the start, but he also needs to get everyone, including Giannis himself, on the same page. 

Bucks may need to face harsh reality 

If Milwaukee falls short again this season, it may need to accept that a rebuild is in order. Their cap sheet is already becoming messy — primarily due to waiving and stretching Lillard's deal. Still, there's little wiggle room to make another pivot. 

The only clear way out would be to part ways with Giannis. It would enable the franchise to acquire a substantial amount of assets and initiate a rebuilding or retooling phase. And while parting with a future franchise legend will hurt, it may be the lesser of two evils. 

Giannis has remained loyal to the Bucks despite their recent struggles. Eventually, that loyalty and patience will run out. The hope should be that a resolution is found before things turn sour. Of course, winning would solve all of these concerns. 

However, as currently constructed, it's hard to envision the Bucks overcoming the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers — with both teams shaping up to be juggernauts in the East this season. Therefore, be it this season, next summer, or in 18 months, Giannis will likely be on the move.