Milwaukee Bucks at a crossroad: supermax for Giannis or full rebuild
With a heavy payroll and an uncompetitive roster, the Milwaukee Bucks could consider parting ways with Giannis Antetokounmpo to start a new rebuild
Never more than now has Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future seemed distant from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Wisconsin franchise endured a disappointing season, and throughout the year there were multiple points of tension between the front office and Giannis, who hasn’t ruled out a potential departure.
The biggest factor pointing toward a possible split is the team’s overall situation: a high payroll, limited Draft assets, and a non-competitive roster all increase the likelihood of a breakup with the Bucks’ leader – arguably the greatest player in franchise history.
According to insider Tim MacMahon, the chances of Milwaukee offering Giannis a supermax extension are close to zero.
It wouldn’t make sense for the Bucks to extend Antetokounmpo if the franchise knows it’s headed toward mediocrity in the coming years. At the very least, the roster shouldn’t be that expensive. You can’t load a small-market team’s payroll with max contracts
Tim MacMahon
In this scenario, the most realistic path would be a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, aimed at acquiring young talent and Draft capital to kickstart a rebuild.
The main candidates for a potential deal include the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and possible dark horses like the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors.
Despite the struggles and playing just 36 games – not always by choice – Antetokounmpo still posted MVP-level numbers, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, once again confirming himself among the NBA’s elite.