Why the Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo has made headlines this offseason by not committing to a future with the Milwaukee Bucks, instead wanting to put himself in the best position to win another championship, whether in Milwaukee or elsewhere. 

On the "48 Minutes" podcast, Antetokounmpo clearly outlined his stance as he enters the final two guaranteed years of his contract. 

"If the Milwaukee Bucks are on the same page for the rest of my career, great. If not, I have to win," Antetokounmpo said. "So I'm a Milwaukee Buck. But most importantly, I'm a winner. I want to win. And I have to do whatever it takes for me to win. And if there's a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien, I have to take that better situation."

While the Bucks still have their core group from the 2021 championship team, most of Antetokounmpo's supporting cast is exiting their prime. Small forward Khris Middleton is 32 and just had one of the worst seasons of his career while dealing with a lingering knee issue. Point guard Jrue Holiday is 33. Center Brook Lopez will turn 36 this season. 

The Bucks also do not have any significant young talent on their roster or any first-round picks until 2028, making it difficult to develop young players or trade for a legitimate contributor. 

While free agency is always an option, even if the Bucks were able to clear enough salary to sign someone to a long-term deal, Milwaukee is one of the NBA's smallest markets and least desirable free agency destinations. The Bucks's biggest free agent signings throughout history include names like Greg Monroe and Mo Williams, so gambling on free agency would be very risky.

If Antetokounmpo decides to join another team after the 2024-25 season, the Bucks will be left with one of the league's worst rosters and bleakest futures. 

Milwaukee's front office can not allow Antetokounmpo to walk for nothing. If they believe that there is any chance he will leave, they must trade him as soon as possible to maximize his value and begin rebuilding their team.

ESPN's Zach Lowe and Ramona Shelburne reported that the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors are watching Antetokounmpo's situation closely and have trade packages that the Bucks would hypothetically consider. 

For example, the Raptors could offer a package centered around All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and future draft picks for Antetokounmpo. 

Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP and generational talent who brought a championship back to Milwaukee after 50 years. Despite that, the Bucks must understand their status as a small market team with an otherwise aging and flawed roster. If Antetokounmpo leaves in free agency without the Bucks getting anything back in return, it would cripple their franchise. 

The Bucks should make the difficult, yet responsible decision to shift their focus to a post-Antetokounmpo future and trade their superstar.