'Entire NBA Offseason Will Hinge' On Giannis Antetokounmpo's Decision With Bucks

[Street Knowledge]

Despite Antetokounmpo averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season—likely earning him third place in MVP voting—questions persist about Milwaukee's competitive window. The Bucks were not widely expected to compete in the East beyond the first round even with a healthy Lillard, and his absence further complicates their path forward.

"The question for the whole NBA is 'what does Giannis do about it?'" ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today. "Does Giannis indicate to the team he wants to stay put and remain a Buck going forward. Or does Giannis indicate he may want to look around? If the answer is B, the entire NBA offseason will hinge on it."

Windhorst emphasized the significance of Antetokounmpo's decision, adding: "I don't even think any team can make a big move until they figure out what Giannis might prefer."

Though Antetokounmpo signed an extension in October 2023 following the Lillard trade—keeping him under contract until 2027—his satisfaction with the team's direction could drive potential trade discussions. The Bucks face additional challenges in retooling their roster, as they do not control their own first-round draft pick until 2031.

The organization now faces critical decisions about how to maintain competitiveness around their superstar forward while navigating Lillard's injury recovery and limited draft assets.

'Entire NBA Offseason Will Hinge' On Giannis Antetokounmpo's Decision With Bucks

Entire NBA Offseason Will Hinge On Giannis Antetokounmpos Decision With Bucks - RealGM Wiretap

basketball.realgm.com

 

[dtownreppin214]

I could envision a deal around Giannis and Sengun + players if the numbers work out.

 

[Rekkapryde]

I could envision a deal around Giannis and Sengun + players if the numbers work out.

Spurs have the best picks to offer. They own their own picks plus 2 completely unprotected Hawks picks. This is the year to strike since both the Hawks and Spurs are both in the lottery with picks. That's who I'm calling.

OKC and Nets have a lot of picks but they're mostly protected. And who wants to goto Utah.

 

[Diondon]

Giannis & Hero doesn't sound interesting TBH

 

[DrexlersFade]

Spurs have the best picks to offer. They have their own plus 2 completely unprotected Hawks picks. This is the year to strike since both the Hawks and Spurs are both in the lottery with picks. That's who I'm calling.

OKC and Nets have a lot of picks but they're mostly protected. And who wants to goto Utah.

He will be a Spur book it

 

[Supa]

Spurs have the best picks to offer. They have their own plus 2 completely unprotected Hawks picks. This is the year to strike since both the Hawks and Spurs are both in the lottery with picks. That's who I'm calling.

OKC and Nets have a lot of picks but they're mostly protected. And who wants to goto Utah.

Does Giannis want to go to San Antonio?

 

[VegetasHairline]

First round of the playoffs aren't even over and they're already starting this. NBA media really is the WOAT!

 

[feelosofer]

It's too early to be talking about Giannis's future. It's putting a cloud on an interesting first round series.

 

[Rekkapryde]

Does Giannis want to go to San Antonio?

If I'm the GM and we're rebuilding, I'm getting the best deal. Him plus Wemby = Automatic Playoffs and 2 beast defenders.

 

[Rekkapryde]

It's too early to be talking about Giannis's future. It's putting a cloud on an interesting first round series.

you got jokes today huh fam

 

[Goat poster]

 

[eastside313]

Spurs have the best picks to offer. They own their own picks plus 2 completely unprotected Hawks picks. This is the year to strike since both the Hawks and Spurs are both in the lottery with picks. That's who I'm calling.

OKC and Nets have a lot of picks but they're mostly protected. And who wants to goto Utah.

The hawks are not a bottom feeder. I’m not trading Giannis for potential playoff team picks.

 

[Youhadasparkwhenustarted]

Do the bucks prioritize picks or players if they trade Giannis? They don't control their own picks for a while essentially, so no reason for them to be bad and tank if they can help it.

 

[darryl]

He's the real best player in the league by the way

 

[dtownreppin214]

Spurs have the best picks to offer. They own their own picks plus 2 completely unprotected Hawks picks. This is the year to strike since both the Hawks and Spurs are both in the lottery with picks. That's who I'm calling.

OKC and Nets have a lot of picks but they're mostly protected. And who wants to goto Utah.

I think the Bucks will want an established young player back. Spurs don't have that outside of Wemby.

Fwiw, I met his younger brother Kostas at my church when he was in the league. We chopped it up and he mentioned Dallas/Houston as attractive markets because of the large Nigerian communities.