There's still no report on what Giannis Antetokounmpo has planned for the offseason. There have been countless rumors regarding Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks. After an underwhelming 2024-25 NBA season, there's a chance that the Greek Freak could ask out and force a trade out of Milwaukee.
The Bucks have lost in the first round of the playoffs for three straight years. Despite the organization's efforts to improve the supporting cast around Antetokounmpo. They added All-Star guard Damian Lillard and traded away Khris Middleton, who's struggled with injuries over the past few seasons in Milwaukee.
However, their improvements haven't been enough, and the Bucks still continue to struggle to contend for another title.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts during the first quarter.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
On Monday, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on "The Stein Line" that the Bucks are trying their best to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. One of the main reasons the franchise is pointing out is the current state of the Eastern Conference.
"There are some useful fresh morsels on the subject, though, that we can pass along. Some insight, namely, on the Bucks' approach to trying to convince him to stay," Stein reported.
"Word is that the Bucks are trying to build a good bit of their case for convincing Antetokounmpo to give them another shot to build a title team around him by loudly reminding him about the current state of the Eastern Conference."
In the East, there's been a change in force. The defending champions, the Boston Celtics, have been dethroned after Jayson Tatum's unfortunate Achilles injury. The Philadelphia 76ers, a team perceived to be a title contender, struggled in their first season due to the injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Even the top team this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers, couldn't avoid the injury bug. The injured Evan Mobley and Darius Garland did not help them in the postseason and were eliminated in the second round. The Bucks have suffered the same fate as Lillard's injured Achilles.
However, they still have Antetokounmpo, who could be enough to take over the conference, as they experience a change in power dynamics.