Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future Remains a Major Question Mark
The Milwaukee Bucks are grappling with a critical question: will superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo stay committed to the team, or will he request a trade? After three consecutive first-round playoff exits, the future of the “Greek Freak” in Milwaukee has become a top priority for the organization’s leadership.
Despite these uncertainties, the Bucks remain steadfast in their goal to build a championship-contending roster around Antetokounmpo. They believe Milwaukee still has a window to secure another title during the prime of their Greek star’s career.
Financial and Roster Limitations
However, ESPN expert Bobby Marks pointed out that improving the current roster will be no easy task for the Bucks’ front office.
Milwaukee’s biggest weakness is its lack of roster depth—a problem that has been glaringly evident in recent playoff performances. Marks noted that the Bucks are limited in their ability to trade draft picks at this time. In fact, the only draft assets available for potential trades are picks in 2031 or 2032.
Moreover, if Antetokounmpo chooses to stay, the team’s payroll could become a significant hurdle. The Bucks are projected to pay $130 million to their core trio of Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Kyle Kuzma next season, leaving just $34 million within their $164 million salary cap.
A Challenging Free Agency Market
The situation is further complicated by the fact that several key Bucks players are set to become free agents. According to Marks, “Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr. could all hit free agency this summer. Of those, Portis and Porter have player options to extend their contracts.”
This means the Bucks risk losing critical pieces of their roster, further exacerbating their existing depth issues.
Bright Spots on the Horizon
Despite these challenges, NBA experts also highlighted some positive aspects for the Bucks heading into the next season. The team’s current financial situation still allows them to add players through free agency or trades.
The biggest question remains whether the Bucks can convince Antetokounmpo to buy into the team’s long-term vision, or if the 29-year-old star will seek new opportunities elsewhere to pursue his championship aspirations.