Giannis and Bucks: Uncertain Future? NBA Examines the Situation

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Uncertain Future of the Bucks

From a dimly lit room more than 6,000 miles away, Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared on a projector screen in the interview room at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. It was September 29th, Bucks media day, the first day the team could officially gather before the start of training camp for the 2025-26 season. Antetokounmpo, recovering from COVID, had not been authorized to travel. The player’s voice was hoarse, but he connected. The question about how he felt received an answer with a smile: “Good. I look good on camera.” The answer relaxed the atmosphere, after a tense summer for the franchise. An hour earlier, Bucks governor Wes Edens justified the team’s bold summer transaction, stretching the remaining $113 million of Damian Lillard’s contract over the next five years to free up salary space and sign Myles Turner, highlighting Antetokounmpo’s continued commitment to Milwaukee.

“I had a great conversation with Giannis in June, and he made it clear that he was very committed to Milwaukee. He likes being here, he likes his family being here… If we were really going to make the most of our opportunity with Giannis, we felt we needed to do something substantial, and that’s what we did,” Edens stated.

Wes Edens

However, the situation became awkward when Antetokounmpo, when asked about that meeting, replied: “A meeting? Can you repeat that? Did I have a meeting with Wes? I really can’t remember that meeting.” This awkward disconnection quickly went viral, marking an inauspicious start to the season. A week later, conversations between the Bucks and the Knicks about Antetokounmpo’s future were reported, although they did not progress. Antetokounmpo publicly admitted his interest in another franchise, setting a deadline for his decision: “I want to be in a situation where I can win. If in six or seven months I change my mind, I think that’s also human.” The player closed the door on a possible exit, but opened it again. “We have to concentrate, stay focused throughout the year and try to win some games. Hopefully, make the playoffs and not get eliminated in the first round. And then, from there, we’ll see.” The Bucks insist they are on the same page with their star. “There is no greater difference,” said a team source, “than the perception from the outside compared to what is happening internally.” Jon Horst, the team’s general manager, has faced questions about how to keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee since 2017. Horst has answered these questions with strategic moves, such as the acquisition of Jrue Holiday in 2020 and the trade for Lillard in 2023, and more recently, releasing Lillard to sign Turner. Lillard’s move was criticized, but internally it was considered a basketball decision to not waste a year of competition. “The biggest misconception is that this was a panic move. It wasn’t. It was a basketball decision. With Dame, you’re not sure how it was going to be. Meanwhile, Myles fits perfectly. We want to win here,” explained a team source. The challenge for the Bucks is significant, without an All-Star guard or forward for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Antetokounmpo has taken on a greater load, with a usage percentage close to 49% in the opening game. In addition, the team lost their starting point guard, Kevin Porter Jr., to an ankle injury. The summer of 2026 looms as a crucial point, as Antetokounmpo has two more years on his contract, with a player option in the last. This could determine his future. “You always have to put pressure on ownership,” said a source close to Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo has walked the fine line, reaffirming his current dedication to the franchise, but has also given himself the opportunity to change his mind. “Today I am here and I am committed to this team,” he stated. This statement adds pressure to the Bucks for the 2025-26 season, with co-stars yet to prove their worth. Horst can make moves to improve the roster, but time will tell if he plays those cards. “This team is built to maximize Giannis, but Giannis can actually maximize this team,” Horst said. “We understand that we haven’t been given anything. This is a team that is really hungry to win and wants to deserve the victory. That will be our style of play, playing together, and that will feature the best player in the world, Giannis, and a group of players who fit in very well with him.” In the first preseason game, the Bucks’ offense showed its potential. The team scored three consecutive three-pointers, leading to a timeout by the opposing coach. The Bucks finished with 20 three-pointers in the 127-121 victory. Coach Doc Rivers sees this as a proof of concept. The Bucks were the best three-point shooting team last season and are now looking to create more opportunities. The team averaged 42.6 three-point attempts per game in the preseason, increasing to 46.5 in the two games Antetokounmpo played. By focusing more on Antetokounmpo as a playmaker and surrounding him with shooters, the Bucks believe they have found a formula for success. The starting five will include Turner, Trent, Porter, and AJ Green. This style of play, which Antetokounmpo calls “dangerous,” could be key to the team’s success. Antetokounmpo stated that the first goal is to win the opening game. The next? “Stay healthy. And then make the playoffs. Be in the playoffs and try to win a playoff series.”