It feels like Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with the Bucks is coming to an end

The Milwaukee Bucks entered Sunday as the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference. A matinee matchup against the Boston Celtics could see them get their season back on track, or fall further into crisis depending on the result. 

The Bucks have lost seven of their opening nine games. They're 22nd in defensive rating and 20th in offensive rating. Right now, Milwaukee looks like a team that needs a reset. Of course, that observation has begun putting teams around the NBA on high alert as they wait to see whether Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available for trade.

According to Marc Stein, multiple teams have already let Milwaukee know that they would be ready to negotiate a trade package if the two-time MVP does become available. However, as Stein also noted, it's widely accepted that Giannis would need to push for a move in order for Milwaukee to begin sitting at the negotiating table.

"It is understood quite clearly in 29 other front offices that Antetokounmpo is only ever going to be made available for trade if he pushes for it," Stein reported via his SteinLine Newsletter. "But a handful of teams out there have certainly begun planning for such an eventuality — and, in some cases, have already let the Bucks know that they will be ready to talk trade if team officials ever reach that point — even if Milwaukee has zero interest in such discussions as we speak."

If the Bucks do decide to pivot, Damian Lillard is far more likely to be moved than Giannis. He hasn't had the impact many expected when he joined the franchise. His partnership with Giannis hasn't blossomed, and opposing teams have consistently exploited his defensive limitations. 

However, Giannis is 29 and 25 days away from his 30th birthday. He wants to compete for championships while he's still in his prime. If the Bucks decide to pivot and begin rebuilding, it's unlikely he will show the necessary patience. That's when interested teams would step in to offer an exit route. 

Milwaukee isn't at that point yet. But if they keep freefalling toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference, it won't take long for the front office to begin getting nervous. And when a front office is nervous, big moves are never far away. 

Unfortunately for Bucks fans, Milwaukee's last big trade chip just so happens to be one of the franchise's greatest players.