The Milwaukee Bucks are at a bit of a crossroads this offseason. After several first-round playoff exits, and a skeleton of a roster compared to their championship contending days, the Bucks could take a considerable step back next season despite still having Giannis Antetokounmpo on the team — for now.
So far, the Bucks have made the surprising decisions to waive Damian Lillard, and sign former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. These moves have been seen as sort of last ditch efforts to make the most of Antetokounmpo’s prime.
Bucks projected to take a step backwards next season
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[ESPN’s Summer Forecast panel](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46030771/nba-predictions-summer-forecast-2025-2026-turnarounds-turbulent-teams-biggest-questions) recently voted the Bucks as the most likely team to “take a tumble” next season. [ESPN’s Jamal Collier](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46030771/nba-predictions-summer-forecast-2025-2026-turnarounds-turbulent-teams-biggest-questions) explained the reasoning behind the troubling projection.
“The Bucks' plan for success this season will be to lean heavily on Antetokounmpo,” Collier said. “The two-time MVP has shouldered massive tasks before, but getting this roster into contention without a clear second star will require, perhaps, his most herculean effort.”
Antetokounmpo is still at the top of his game going into his 13th season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, and was named an MVP finalist once again last season.
To make matters worse, it isn’t even a guarantee that Antetokounmpo suits up for the Bucks next season. While neither he, nor the Bucks have indicated that a trade is imminent, the lack of clarity has forced many to speculate that he could be traded. Losing Antetokounmpo would be disastrous to the Bucks’ odds of contending next season.