Over the course of his career, Giannis Antetokounmpo has remained committed to winning with the Milwaukee Bucks. But with a crucial offseason on the horizon, Antetokounmpo may finally be ready to see what the rest of the league has to offer.
Antetokounmpo is reportedly open to exploring other teams outside the Bucks for the first time in his career, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. That’s a significant shift for Antetokounmpo, who remained loyal to the Bucks throughout his career, even when he’s had opportunities to leave.
Advertisement
But the future in Milwaukee looks bleak. After yet another first-round playoff exit, the Bucks don’t have the resources they need to get Antetokounmpo help. The Bucks don’t own a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and won’t control where they pick in the first round until 2031. On top of that, Damian Lillard is expected to miss significant time next season after sustaining an Achilles injury during the playoffs.
Antetokounmpo leaving Milwaukee isn’t a guarantee. He will reportedly meet with the Bucks to discuss the team’s future. If the franchise can sell Antetokounmpo on its vision, it’s possible to decides to continue his career in Milwaukee.
That may sound unlikely given the current state of the Bucks’ roster, but that hasn’t stopped Antetokounmpo in the past. Twice in his career — 2020 and 2023 — Antetokounmpo signed max deals to remain in Milwaukee. In both instances, many thought Antetokounmpo would explore other opportunities. That didn’t happen, and it’s worked out well for both the player and the team.
Following that first supermax extension, Antetokounmpo helped lead the Bucks to an NBA championship. The Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 4-2 in the 2020-21 NBA Finals, giving Antetokounmpo his first championship ring. He averaged 35.2 points during the series, earning him Finals MVP honors.
Advertisement
The Bucks have remained a strong regular-season team since then, but early playoff exits have resulted in disappointment. The Bucks reached the Eastern Conference semifinal during the 2021-22 season, but have not progressed past the first round the past three seasons. The Bucks were the higher seed in two of those three instances.
While Antetokounmpo has remained loyal to the Bucks throughout his career, he’s also stressed the desire to play for a team with championship aspirations. Antetokounmpo made that point as recently as April, when he appeared on his brother’s podcast and said he would be “letting himself down” if he didn’t win another ring.
The Bucks have mostly been able to satisfy that need for Antetokounmpo to this point. Key trades for Jrue Holiday and Lillard occurred just before Antetokounmpo signed his two max extensions in Milwaukee, which may have convinced Antetokounmpo to stay. While another big move could potentially convince Antetokounmpo to stick it out with the Bucks, it’s unclear whether the team has the resources to make it happen again. Those two trades are the reason to team future draft capital is in a bad spot.
Advertisement
Trading Antetokounmpo is the best way for the Bucks to recoup some of those lost picks. Given Antetokounmpo’s age and numbers — the 30-year-old averaged 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds — he should bring back a significant haul.
But parting with Antetokounmpo — who has spent his entire 12-year NBA career with the Bucks — would be painful. Given everything Antetokounmpo has done for the franchise, shipping him out might be a blow to fans. It also might be the best thing for both sides.
The Bucks have found ways to keep Antetokounmpo multiple times when it seemed like his run in Milwaukee was over. It’s possible the team pulls off the feat one more time, but selling him on the future of the franchise this time around might prove far more difficult than it has in the past.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
2025 Cleveland Browns Depth Chart Heading into NFL Week 1
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season with the aim of climbing the AFC North ladder. Here’s how the Browns’ depth chart looks heading into NFL Week 1.<!-->Cleveland Browns 2025 Depth ChartOffense[-->QB: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur SandersRB: Jerome Ford, Dylan SampsonWR: Jamari Thrash, DeAndre CarterLWR: Cedric Tillman, Gage LarvadainRWR: Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah BondTE: David Njoku, Harold Fannin, Blake WhiteheartLT: Dawand Jones, KT LevestonLG: Joel Bitonio, Teven JenkinsC: Ethan Pocic, Luke WyplerRG: Wyatt Teller, Zak ZinterRT: Jack Conklin, Cornelius LucasGreg Jennings on how Shedeur Sanders can shine for Browns, Travis Hunter playing WR-CB | FULL INTERVIEW | The Herd DefenseLDE: Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuireDT: Mason Graham, Mike HallNT: Maliek Collins, Shelby Harris, Adin HuntingtonRDE: Myles Garrett, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Cameron ThomasWLB: Mohamoud Diabate, Devin Bush, Easton Mascarenas-ArnoldMLB: Carson Schweisinger, Jerome BakerNB: Cameron Mitchell, Myles HardenLCB: Denzel WardSS: Grant Delpit, Rayshawn Jenkins, […]
INDYCAR Power Rankings: Josef Newgarden Returns, Alex Palou Ends On High Note
<!--> [--> Bob Pockrass FOX Motorsports Insider <!--> --> The 2025 INDYCAR season is in the books.The final point standings will reflect how drivers raced throughout the entire year. These rankings show who might have some momentum going into next season — if they can carry over the last month of the year into next March.Here are the last power rankings of the 2025 season, as the race Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway concluded the year. Don’t worry, the 2026 preseason rankings (and maybe some way-too-early 2026 rankings) will come soon enough.Dropped out: Christian Rasmussen (Last Week: 8), David Malukas (Last Week: 9), Colton Herta (Last Week: 10) On the verge: Colton Herta, Christian Rasmussen, Alexander Rossi10. Felix Rosenqvist (Last Week: Not Ranked)Rosenqvist finished seventh at Nashville, despite an early penalty for jumping the restart. The Meyer Shank driver finished sixth in the season standings. […]
Obhájkyně titulu Kopecká potřebuje pauzu. Belgičanka na cyklistické MS nepojede
Kopecká vyhrála silniční závod na posledních dvou šampionátech. Po nevydařených vystoupeních na letošní Tour de France a Giru d'Italia se však rozhodla na mistrovství, které začne 21. září, nestartovat.„Všichni bychom měli být vděční za to, co Lotte v posledních letech dokázala. Teď potřebuje dobít baterky a dát se do pohody. Jsem přesvědčený, že se brzy vrátí silnější,“ uvedl trenér reprezentace Ludwig Willems.„Na Giru o sobě začala pochybovat a po Tour se to ještě znásobilo. Proto se rozhodla na mistrovství nestartovat, protože není na sto procent připravená. A vítězové jako je Lotte chtějí závodit jen o vítězství,“ dodal.
Cracking the Code: The Secret for QB Sam Darnold and Seahawks’ Success
<!--> [--> Henry McKenna NFL Reporter <!--> --> There are people who wrote off Sam Darnold after the Minnesota Vikings let him leave. There are people who wrote off Cooper Kupp after the Los Angeles Rams parted ways with him this offseason. And no doubt, circumstance is as important as anything in the NFL. But Kupp rejected the idea that Seattle’s new additions have anything to prove."We don’t think about it that way — at least I don’t," veteran receiver Kupp, the MVP of Super Bowl LVI, told me during training camp. "People can take it however they want. But I’ve always been my harshest critic. … I just can’t live in that negative space of feeling like I’m trying to change anyone’s mind. "And [Sam has] been awesome in terms of his mindset, like, ‘No, I know who I am.’ … […]
2025 NFL Odds: Will Underdogs Bark Big in Week 1?
In recent years, NFL Week 1 has been prime time for 'dogs to bark.According to BetMGM, since 2010, when teams are underdogs of six points or more in the first week of the regular season, those squads have gone 41-27-1 against the spread (ATS).That's good for a 60% cover rate.Now that the season is kicking off, let's look at a few of the big underdogs for Week 1 at BetMGM as of Sept. 2, along with some expert insight.THURSDAY, SEPT. 4Cowboys +8 @ EaglesSUNDAY, SEPT. 7Saints +6.5 vs. CardinalsGiants +6 @ CommandersTitans +8 @ BroncosThe first game of the season features the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles facing off against the Cowboys.Dallas has been at the center of the news lately after contract extension talks with Micah Parsons broke down, leading to the team unceremoniously trading the four-time Pro Bowl […]
Procházkův soupeř sebevědomě: Velký zápas, ale na Jiřího jsem naprosto připravený
Tvrďák ze zámoří Rountree do bojiště vstoupí i s vědomím toho, že se mu předchozí souboj zcela vydařil. Jamahala Hilla, Procházkova posledního soupeře, během červnové pětikolové šichty k ničemu nepustil, a tak se rychle domluvila další mise - na domácí půdě proti zmíněnému 32letému rodákovi z Hostěradic u Znojma.„Takřka hned po zápase s Jamahalem jsem mluvil s vedením UFC o tom, co bude dál. Tohle (zápas s Procházkou) je to, co chtějí vidět. Mysleli si, že pro fanoušky to bude vzrušující souboj, s čímž já plně souhlasím. Je to opravdu velký zápas,“ říká Rountree na youtubovém kanálu, kde ukazuje pravidelné záběry z přípravy na zápasy.Americko-české měření sil výrazně napoví o dalším osudu polotěžké divize nejslavnější bojové ligy světa. Dá se totiž očekávat, že vítěz se v dalším duelu popasuje o mistrovský opasek. Zaváhání poraženého tak může přijít „draho“.„Musím se probojovat zpět k titulové šanci a v cestě mi stojí pár docela silných kluků. Dalším krokem je […]
Related
2025 Cleveland Browns Depth Chart Heading into NFL Week 1
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season with the aim of climbing the AFC North ladder. Here’s how the Browns’ depth chart looks heading into NFL Week 1.<!-->Cleveland Browns 2025 Depth ChartOffense[-->QB: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur SandersRB: Jerome Ford, Dylan SampsonWR: Jamari Thrash, DeAndre CarterLWR: Cedric Tillman, Gage LarvadainRWR: Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah BondTE: David Njoku, Harold Fannin, Blake WhiteheartLT: Dawand Jones, KT LevestonLG: Joel Bitonio, Teven JenkinsC: Ethan Pocic, Luke WyplerRG: Wyatt Teller, Zak ZinterRT: Jack Conklin, Cornelius LucasGreg Jennings on how Shedeur Sanders can shine for Browns, Travis Hunter playing WR-CB | FULL INTERVIEW | The Herd DefenseLDE: Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuireDT: Mason Graham, Mike HallNT: Maliek Collins, Shelby Harris, Adin HuntingtonRDE: Myles Garrett, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Cameron ThomasWLB: Mohamoud Diabate, Devin Bush, Easton Mascarenas-ArnoldMLB: Carson Schweisinger, Jerome BakerNB: Cameron Mitchell, Myles HardenLCB: Denzel WardSS: Grant Delpit, Rayshawn Jenkins, […]
INDYCAR Power Rankings: Josef Newgarden Returns, Alex Palou Ends On High Note
<!--> [--> Bob Pockrass FOX Motorsports Insider <!--> --> The 2025 INDYCAR season is in the books.The final point standings will reflect how drivers raced throughout the entire year. These rankings show who might have some momentum going into next season — if they can carry over the last month of the year into next March.Here are the last power rankings of the 2025 season, as the race Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway concluded the year. Don’t worry, the 2026 preseason rankings (and maybe some way-too-early 2026 rankings) will come soon enough.Dropped out: Christian Rasmussen (Last Week: 8), David Malukas (Last Week: 9), Colton Herta (Last Week: 10) On the verge: Colton Herta, Christian Rasmussen, Alexander Rossi10. Felix Rosenqvist (Last Week: Not Ranked)Rosenqvist finished seventh at Nashville, despite an early penalty for jumping the restart. The Meyer Shank driver finished sixth in the season standings. […]
Obhájkyně titulu Kopecká potřebuje pauzu. Belgičanka na cyklistické MS nepojede
Kopecká vyhrála silniční závod na posledních dvou šampionátech. Po nevydařených vystoupeních na letošní Tour de France a Giru d'Italia se však rozhodla na mistrovství, které začne 21. září, nestartovat.„Všichni bychom měli být vděční za to, co Lotte v posledních letech dokázala. Teď potřebuje dobít baterky a dát se do pohody. Jsem přesvědčený, že se brzy vrátí silnější,“ uvedl trenér reprezentace Ludwig Willems.„Na Giru o sobě začala pochybovat a po Tour se to ještě znásobilo. Proto se rozhodla na mistrovství nestartovat, protože není na sto procent připravená. A vítězové jako je Lotte chtějí závodit jen o vítězství,“ dodal.
Cracking the Code: The Secret for QB Sam Darnold and Seahawks’ Success
<!--> [--> Henry McKenna NFL Reporter <!--> --> There are people who wrote off Sam Darnold after the Minnesota Vikings let him leave. There are people who wrote off Cooper Kupp after the Los Angeles Rams parted ways with him this offseason. And no doubt, circumstance is as important as anything in the NFL. But Kupp rejected the idea that Seattle’s new additions have anything to prove."We don’t think about it that way — at least I don’t," veteran receiver Kupp, the MVP of Super Bowl LVI, told me during training camp. "People can take it however they want. But I’ve always been my harshest critic. … I just can’t live in that negative space of feeling like I’m trying to change anyone’s mind. "And [Sam has] been awesome in terms of his mindset, like, ‘No, I know who I am.’ … […]
2025 NFL Odds: Will Underdogs Bark Big in Week 1?
In recent years, NFL Week 1 has been prime time for 'dogs to bark.According to BetMGM, since 2010, when teams are underdogs of six points or more in the first week of the regular season, those squads have gone 41-27-1 against the spread (ATS).That's good for a 60% cover rate.Now that the season is kicking off, let's look at a few of the big underdogs for Week 1 at BetMGM as of Sept. 2, along with some expert insight.THURSDAY, SEPT. 4Cowboys +8 @ EaglesSUNDAY, SEPT. 7Saints +6.5 vs. CardinalsGiants +6 @ CommandersTitans +8 @ BroncosThe first game of the season features the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles facing off against the Cowboys.Dallas has been at the center of the news lately after contract extension talks with Micah Parsons broke down, leading to the team unceremoniously trading the four-time Pro Bowl […]
Procházkův soupeř sebevědomě: Velký zápas, ale na Jiřího jsem naprosto připravený
Tvrďák ze zámoří Rountree do bojiště vstoupí i s vědomím toho, že se mu předchozí souboj zcela vydařil. Jamahala Hilla, Procházkova posledního soupeře, během červnové pětikolové šichty k ničemu nepustil, a tak se rychle domluvila další mise - na domácí půdě proti zmíněnému 32letému rodákovi z Hostěradic u Znojma.„Takřka hned po zápase s Jamahalem jsem mluvil s vedením UFC o tom, co bude dál. Tohle (zápas s Procházkou) je to, co chtějí vidět. Mysleli si, že pro fanoušky to bude vzrušující souboj, s čímž já plně souhlasím. Je to opravdu velký zápas,“ říká Rountree na youtubovém kanálu, kde ukazuje pravidelné záběry z přípravy na zápasy.Americko-české měření sil výrazně napoví o dalším osudu polotěžké divize nejslavnější bojové ligy světa. Dá se totiž očekávat, že vítěz se v dalším duelu popasuje o mistrovský opasek. Zaváhání poraženého tak může přijít „draho“.„Musím se probojovat zpět k titulové šanci a v cestě mi stojí pár docela silných kluků. Dalším krokem je […]
Be the first to leave a comment