Giannis Antetokounmpo May Force Move If Things Don’t Improve In Milwaukee

As the Bucks struggle early this season, speculation rises about Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially seeking a trade, testing Milwaukee’s championship ambitions.

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Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo may be reaching a crossroads in Milwaukee. According to NBA insider Bill Reiter, there’s growing speculation that if the Milwaukee Bucks continue to struggle, Giannis Antetokounmpo could look to push for a trade. While Giannis has reaffirmed his commitment to the team by signing a new three-year, $175 million extension, the Bucks’ performance could ultimately determine if he stays or seeks a new challenge.

“There’s a rising sense of confidence that if things go badly in Milwaukee that Giannis could be available for trade, would really force his way out of Milwaukee, in the next year.”

The Bucks’ sluggish start to the 2024-25 season, with a disappointing 1-3 record, has heightened concerns. Despite Giannis putting up impressive numbers—averaging 28.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists on 62% shooting—the team has underperformed, losing games they were heavily favored to win. 

This poor start comes after two consecutive first-round playoff exits in 2023 and 2024, adding to the pressure for a franchise with championship aspirations. Since their 2021 title, Milwaukee has repeatedly fallen short of expectations, failing to advance past the second round.

The Bucks made headlines this offseason by trading for Damian Lillard, pairing Giannis with a superstar point guard in hopes of reinvigorating their title hopes. Lillard has been a bright spot, averaging 28.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, yet the chemistry between him and Giannis is still developing. 

However, injuries to Khris Middleton, a crucial part of their 2021 championship run, have hampered the team’s consistency. Middleton has missed significant time over the past three seasons and hasn’t quite returned to his peak form. Although he has shown flashes of his old self, his lack of stability leaves Milwaukee in a vulnerable spot.

The Bucks’ ongoing defensive struggles also highlight the team’s larger issues. Despite hiring Doc Rivers to address these concerns, Milwaukee’s defense remains in the league’s bottom five. Last season, defensive lapses contributed to former coach Adrian Griffin’s departure, as Milwaukee couldn’t maintain the level of intensity needed to compete with elite teams. If the Bucks can’t resolve these issues, their championship window might close faster than anticipated, possibly propelling Giannis to consider a fresh start elsewhere.

Giannis’ recent extension doesn’t provide much incentive for the Bucks to trade him, as he remains under contract for three more years. However, if he were to formally request a trade, Milwaukee would face a tough decision. Losing one of the NBA’s most dominant players would be a significant blow, especially given Giannis’ importance to the team and city. The Bucks, well aware of the challenges of small-market dynamics, know that a superstar like Giannis is irreplaceable.

The question remains whether Milwaukee can turn things around this season. With Lillard in his prime, Middleton’s potential recovery, and Giannis at his peak, the team theoretically has the talent to contend. But, without quick improvements in consistency and defense, Giannis may find himself at odds with the Bucks’ ability to support his championship goals. The NBA landscape has shifted in recent years, with stars like Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard successfully navigating trades despite contracts.

Milwaukee’s immediate future hinges on its ability to maximize this roster. With mounting speculation and the intense competition in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks’ management must find answers quickly if they hope to keep Giannis content and avoid the possibility of him exploring a future outside Milwaukee.

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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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