As NBA executives gather in Chicago for the draft combine, the looming question overshadowing all offseason discussions is clear: what will Giannis Antetokounmpo do next? Will the Milwaukee Bucks superstar leave?
Long considered one of the league’s most committed franchise players, the Greek is, for the first time, seriously evaluating whether his long-term future lies in Wisconsin following a third straight early postseason exit.
According to reports from ESPN, Antetokounmpo has not ruled out exploring opportunities outside of the Bucks organization but no formal decision has been made yet.
All the same, his openness to reevaluating his path is a major development, and NBA teams are preparing accordingly as executives plan intensify their inquiries during NBA Combine week.
They are hoping to assess the feasibility of acquiring the two-time MVP, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists and has gone 60% on shooting in 67 games this season.
Yet despite his individual dominance, including a playoff performance of 33.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game against the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee was eliminated in five games, continuing a pattern of underachievement since winning the 2021 NBA title.
However, he remains under contract through 2026-27 with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28 so the Bucks do not have to trade him. Although such a refusal would no doubt unsettle the star’s relationship with the team.
“Me not having a second championship,” Giannis said of his target. “I look back at my career and everybody can say, ‘Oh, incredible career, active Hall of Famer, first ballot, whatever.’
“But me, my personal goal, if I am not able to help my team win a second ring, I’m letting down myself.”
This is the latest of a series of challenges Milwaukee faces as the Bucks have only seven players under contract for next season, including Kyle Kuzma and Damian Lillard, who recently suffered a torn Achilles. A barebones roster spells a dire situation.
Additionally, the 35-year-old Lillard, is owed $113 million over the next two years, placing a significant burden on the team’s salary cap flexibility so the front office’s capacity to reshape the roster is limited.
Could LeBron be an option?
In the past, the Bucks have successfully retained Antetokounmpo by constructing competitive rosters. For example, his deals for Jrue Holiday and Lillard preceded contract extensions from the MVP forward.
Yet, the stakes are different now – the roster is aging, financial flexibility is minimal, and the team’s championship window appears narrower than ever as time begins running out.
Could they turn to LeBron James? His own uncertain future with the Los Angeles Lakers adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, offering a golden way out for the Milwaukee Bucks.
If Antetokounmpo does request a move, the potential ripple effect across the league, including teams like the Lakers, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks would be seismic. The Lakers could potentially end up with Giannis and Luka Doncic.
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