The Milwaukee Bucks' 2024-25 NBA season ended at the same stage as the previous two had, in the first round. The Indiana Pacers eliminated the Bucks in five games in 2025, after knocking them out in six the year before. Those defeats came on the back of the Miami Heat beating them in five games in 2023.
It's been an incredibly disappointing stretch for the Bucks, and this could end up leading to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo was open-minded about exploring whether it was in his best interests long-term to stay with the franchise after the loss to the Pacers.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo watches on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo watches on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo has not formally asked out yet, but would be a man in demand if he did. The nine-time All-Star averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in 2024-25.
Antetokounmpo finished third in MVP voting in 2025, and there isn't a team in the NBA that wouldn't want him among their ranks. Acquiring him won't be easy, though, and it appears he isn't too interested in switching conferences. NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed on "Get Up" that Antetokounmpo would prefer to stay in the East.
Windhorst added that the teams to keep an eye on would be those that can trade for Antetokounmpo and still have pieces around him to contend for a championship. He stated that the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks would be on that list, but added that the apron rules would make it difficult for them to pull off a move.