The Milwaukee Bucks are certainly between a rock and a hard place right now. They are good enough to be one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference for sure, but they probably aren't quite there as far as championship contention is concerned at the moment.
Of course, that could change. You never know what happens, but the Bucks no longer appear to be the NBA power they once were several years ago, and it has resulted in rampant trade speculation regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo.
More news:Celtics Slapped With Brutal Jayson Tatum Prediction
Antetokounmpo is under team control through 2027 and has a player option for the 2027-28 campaign, but that has not stopped conjecture that the superstar could potentially demand a trade if things continue going south in Milwaukee.
That is exactly what Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes is expecting, and he is actually anticipating that Antetokounmpo will request to be dealt midseason.
"Though Antetokounmpo has typically applied pressure to the Bucks in the offseason, which he did again this year by leaving his future plans undefined, he's going to see the writing on the wall during the 2025-26 campaign and conclude there's only one correct reaction," Hughes wrote. "Had Antetokounmpo requested a trade two offseasons ago, when it was already becoming clear the Bucks were through as contenders, just imagine how much better positioned the organization would be today."
Antetokounmpo remains one of the NBA's best players and has averaged over 30 points per game three years in a row. However, he is now 30 years old and turns 31 in December, so the clock is ticking for the two-time MVP.
More news:Lakers' Bronny James Lands Controversial Prediction
As Hughes noted, Milwaukee is probably done legitimately contending, even after signing Myles Turner in free agency. As difficult of a decision as it will be for the Bucks, trading Antetokounmpo may be the right move for both sides.
Whether or not Antetokounmpo actually forces Milwaukee's hand remains to be seen, but if the Bucks get off to a rough start, it would not be surprising to see the nine-time All-Star tell Milwaukee that he's finished.
For more on the Milwaukee Bucks and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.