Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time in Milwaukee might be running out. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, there’s an expectation around the league that the two-time MVP will eventually leave the Bucks, and it could happen sooner than people think.
“There has been an expectation for quite some time that Giannis’ days in Milwaukee one way or another are numbered,” Windhorst said. “Whether that was gonna happen this year, whether it’s gonna happen potentially during this season, or whether it could happen next summer.”
Giannis’ future has become one of the biggest stories in the league. As an NBA champion, nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA player, and two-time MVP, Antetokounmpo’s greatness is undeniable and he has the power to single-handedly shift the balance of power. For the past 12 years, he’s been a loyal player for the Bucks and his presence has elevated them to contender status in the East.
Over the past few years, however, Milwaukee has experienced a sharp decline that involved three straight losses in the first round. This summer, with frustrations at a maximum, Giannis reconsidered everything and recent reports suggest his family had moved out of town to resettle back in Greece.
After much speculation, Antetokounmpo ultimately decided to return to the Bucks this summer and he seems optimistic about the days to come. With teammates like Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis, Giannis believes playoff success is achievable and there are no signs that he’s going to force his way out of his three-year, $174 million deal.
Still, for many GMs across the league, it’s only a matter of time before Giannis asks out. According to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, the only reason Giannis has stayed is because he’s “too scared” to make a trade demand.
“He knows he doesn’t wanna be in Milwaukee,” said Perkins on NBA Today. “He’s just afraid to say it. On the other side of it, I feel like the Bucks know it, they’re just in denial.”
Giannis, 30, was drafted by the Bucks in 2013 and he’s become one of their greatest players ever. Besides being a regular MVP candidate for the Bucks, he’s also responsible for their second championship in franchise history (2021 Finals over the Phoenix Suns). For him to leave now, in the middle of his prime, would be a major blow to the franchise which would set them back years.
For Giannis Antetokounmpo, his priority is to win and win now. With one title in the books, he’s hungry for more and it could push him toward a new team unless the Bucks get their act together. As it stands, multiple teams are on the hunt for Giannis and the New York Knicks were already in his thoughts this summer as a potential destination.
For better or worse, this season will determine Giannis’ future with the Bucks. If they’re able to stay competitive and secure a top-six spot, it may buy them some more time to get in his good graces. If not, it could be the final straw in a breakup that many critics and fans across the league saw coming.
The Bucks have been living on borrowed time for a while now, and this season might be their last chance to convince Giannis they can still win at the highest level. The franchise is built entirely around him, and if he walks, it could send Milwaukee straight into a rebuild. Whether Giannis stays or leaves will depend on how far this group can go, but one thing’s certain: the entire NBA is watching to see what he does next.
