Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo became one of the league’s most targeted players following the team’s first-round playoff exit in May.
The postseason loss marked the third consecutive year the Bucks were eliminated in the first round. Since their 2021 NBA title run, the team’s overall success has steadily declined.
In his 12th and most recent season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.
To add to Milwaukee's recent struggles, the Bucks will likely be without All-Star guard Damian Lillard for most, if not all, of next season after he tore his Achilles during the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers this year.
Milwaukee Bucks, guard D'Angelo Russell
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
On Thursday, during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Shams Charania reported that the two-time NBA MVP is still considering his future in Milwaukee.
“He’s been there for 12 years, so there’s a level of equity in seeing what the can the Bucks do in the draft, what can they do during free agency. How much can they improve the team?" said Charania. "He said it, he wants to compete for a second NBA championship. ... He's going to remain open-minded?"
Several teams — including the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs — have reportedly shown interest in the nine-time All-Star, the New York Post reported.
It appears Antetokounmpo is open to staying loyal to the team that took a chance on him in the 2013 NBA draft, but he will ultimately make the decision that best allows him to compete for his second NBA title.