NBA analyst praises Bucks’ bold moves to fuel Giannis’ title push

“The Bucks did well to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with high-value role players given the circumstances this offseason. Milwaukee no longer has co-stars around Giannis, but they have a strong supporting cast that complements the franchise superstar on both ends of the floor,” Weinbach said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Milwaukee stayed busy this summer, making impactful moves through both signings and buyouts. The team waived and stretched the rest of star guard Damian Lillard’s contract after he tore his Achilles in Game 4 of their first-round matchup with the Indiana Pacers. They quickly turned the freed-up cap space into an advantage, landing Myles Turner from the Pacers. The Bucks then bolstered their backcourt depth by adding guards Gary Harris and Cole Anthony.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks’ title push

Giannis Antetokounmpo still has three years left on his contract, with the final year as a player option. Since the 2021 championship run, the Bucks’ playoff struggles have fueled his frustration, pushing him to demand a stronger roster capable of reaching those heights again. With Damian Lillard gone, Antetokounmpo no longer has a co-star beside him. Even so, the team strengthened both the backcourt and frontcourt over the summer, aiming for a more balanced lineup.

Milwaukee’s trade for Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers was meant to be the answer. Instead, injuries derailed the plan, and the team fell to the Pacers in back-to-back first-round exits.

The Bucks know their championship window with Antetokounmpo is closing. If they do not explore trading him, they risk losing him for nothing in the 2027 or 2028 offseason, or even sooner if he requests a trade that would force them to start a rebuild.

Giannis and the Bucks had a solid offseason, but their true test will come during the 2025-26 season. Milwaukee faces a difficult situation, having already accomplished so much with Antetokounmpo leading the way. At 30, he remains one of the league’s most dominant forces, posing a constant threat to opponents every game.