For Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks, Next Step May Be the Hardest Yet

Another early playoff exit. Another injury to a co-star. And now, another long offseason of uncomfortable questions in Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t just the face of the Bucks — he’s the face of the franchise’s identity. But after three straight first-round exits and with Damian Lillard facing a long road back from an Achilles tear, the question isn’t just whether Milwaukee can still contend. It’s whether it can still convince Giannis to believe in what comes next.

The two-time MVP wasn’t in the mood to speculate after Tuesday’s season-ending Game 5 loss to the Pacers.

“I’m not going to do this,” he told reporters when asked about his championship outlook in Milwaukee. “I know how it’s going to translate… I wish I was still playing.”

Plenty of NBA insiders are already weighing in. John Hollinger of The Athletic argues that trading Antetokounmpo might be the Bucks’ best — or only — way to reset, given their aging core and lack of draft capital. Eric Koreen, also of The Athletic, takes a more philosophical view, writing that loyalty and legacy should matter more than ring-chasing.

For now, Antetokounmpo is expected to meet with team officials soon. Whether that conversation leads to clarity or more questions remains to be seen. One thing’s certain: all eyes are on Milwaukee.