One of the main concerns for the Milwaukee Bucks is handling the future of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is no assurance whether he'll stay or request a trade following a third straight season where the Bucks were eliminated in the first round. Other than that, there are other businesses the organization has to take care of.
The Bucks are still determined to surround Antetokounmpo with a competitive group to help them contend for a title. The organization still believes in Milwaukee's chances of bringing another championship while the Greek Freak is in his prime.
However, ESPN's Bobby Marks revealed that improving the current group could be difficult for the front office.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez high five forward Bobby Portis.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Bucks lack depth, which was the problem in the postseason. Marks said that Milwaukee cannot trade multiple first-round picks at this point. Additionally, the only draft asset the franchise can trade is between the 2031 and 2032 picks.
Also, if Antetokounmpo chooses to stay, the team's payroll might be a disadvantage. The Bucks will owe the 2021 Finals MVP, Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma $130 million next season. That leaves only $34 million of the team's $164 million salary.
Additionally, the Bucks will have some of their most important role players up for a new deal. Most of them are set to be free agents over the summer.
"Lopez, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. all could become free agents this summer. (Portis and Porter have player options.)" Marks wrote.
But the NBA insider revealed that there are positives for the Bucks next season. The organization can add players through free agency and trade because of its financial situation.