Everything will be on the line for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2025-26 season.
People know that the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo rests on what happens in the months ahead.
If things go well, he could stick with the team for the long-term future, but he could decide to leave if the season is once again disappointing.
On ESPN, Jamal Collier said that the Bucks could take a tumble in the new season, and the impact could be devastating.
“The Bucks top this list because of the mounting uncertainty surrounding the franchise at the perceived end of its contention window. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still one of the best players in the world. Still, the talent gap between him and the rest of the roster is striking, even after Milwaukee made an unprecedented move to sign Myles Turner in free agency. To sign Turner, the Bucks waived guard Damian Lillard and stretched the more than $110 million remaining on his contract over the next five years, giving them future flexibility to find a short-term fix — a sign seen by rival teams as an act of desperation by the Bucks to cling to the last of Antetokounmpo’s prime,” Collier wrote.
The Bucks’ front office was indeed desperate in the summer when they got rid of Damian Lillard and fought to sign Myles Turner.
They are clearly attempting to keep Antetokounmpo happy by any means necessary.
But some analysts believe they haven’t put together a strong enough roster, and they feel that Antetokounmpo will have to carry all the weight on his shoulders, once again.
Turner will help, and others like Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis will also bring something to the table, but it might not be enough.
And if it’s not, rumors about Antetokounmpo will be everywhere.
All eyes will be on this team right from the very beginning of the season.
Every mistake and loss will be closely monitored because people know how it could influence Antetokounmpo and his future.
NEXT: Bucks Reportedly Had 'Zero Interest' in Trading Key Player This Offseason