Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks leads a fast break in the second half against the Indiana Pacers during game three of the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 25, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks have been aggressive in retooling the roster surrounding superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their moves in the 2025 NBA offseason have garnered praise from one analyst.
Milwaukee made solid moves throughout the summer, whether it was signings or buyouts. They waived and stretched the remainder of star guard Damian Lillard’s contract, who suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks used the open cap space from that move to their advantage, signing Myles Turner away from the Pacers. They later signed guards Gary Harris and Cole Anthony, replenishing their depth in the backcourt.
NBA analyst Jake Weinbach was receptive towards their moves. He expressed as much in his social media post on Sunday.
“The Bucks did well to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with high-value role players given the circumstances this offseason,” Weinbach said. “Milwaukee no longer has co-stars around Giannis, but they have a strong supporting cast that complements the franchise superstar on both ends of the floor.”
The Bucks did well to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with high-value role players given the circumstances this offseason.
Milwaukee no longer has co-stars around Giannis, but they have a strong supporting cast that complements the franchise superstar on both ends of the floor.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) August 10, 2025
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What’s Next For Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks off the court after a win over the Indiana Pacers in game three of the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 25, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
It’s true that Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t have a co-star alongside him after the Bucks moved on from Damian Lillard. Despite that, it is clear that the team added balance in the backcourt and frontcourt this summer.
Antetokounmpo has three years remaining on his contract, with the third being a player option. The lack of playoff success since the title run in 2021 has brought frustration to the superstar, wanting the roster to be better to return to those heights.
Milwaukee’s move to acquire Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers was supposed to be that. However, injuries got in the way as the team suffered consecutive first-round exits to the Pacers.
The Bucks are well aware that time is running out for them to compete for a championship while Antetokounmpo is still around. However, they run the risk of seeing him walk away in the 2027 or 2028 offseason for nothing if they don’t consider trading him. It could even happen earlier if he decides to request a trade, which would jumpstart their rebuild.
Milwaukee is in a tough predicament because they have achieved so much with Antetokounmpo as their top player. At age 30, he still shines bright as one of the best players in the NBA, always being a threat for opponents game-by-game.
This offseason was solid for the Bucks. However, what will matter is how they perform throughout the course of the 2025-26 season. A deep playoff run may satisfy Antetokounmpo’s willingness to remain with the franchise. However, anything less than that will present many long-term questions for how they interact with their franchise cornerstone.