Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: atlantic

  • Why the Giannis-Kareem Comparison Falls Flat

    Why the Giannis-Kareem Comparison Falls Flat

    The recent article from The Athletic, titled “Echoes of Kareem: The eerie parallels Bucks fans see in a potential Giannis-less future,” draws a dramatic comparison between the Milwaukee Bucks’ trade of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975 and the potential trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo. It suggests that trading Giannis could plunge the Bucks into a decades-long championship drought, much like the 46 years that followed Kareem’s departure. While the historical parallel is intriguing, the argument hinges on an overstated view of Giannis’s impact, ignoring the critical weaknesses in his game that limit his ability to dominate when it matters most. This blog post dismantles the article’s premise, arguing that Giannis’s flaws make the comparison to Kareem—a player with a far more complete skill set—unconvincing.

    Key points from the articles suggest:

    • Giannis’s current situation:
      • Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly considering being traded for the first time in his career.
      • His loyalty to Milwaukee has been tied to the team’s ability to contend for a title.
      • The recent first-round playoff exit and Damian Lillard’s injury (torn Achilles, leading to a long absence) have raised questions about the Bucks’ contention window and potentially accelerated Giannis’s decision-making process.
      • Giannis’s trade value is currently at its highest. He is 30 years old, a two-time MVP, and a Finals MVP, making him a highly desirable trade candidate for many teams.
      • He has not explicitly requested a trade yet, but teams are “quietly lining up” in case he does.
      • His contract runs through the 2026-27 season with a player option for 2027-28, and it does not include a no-trade clause.
    • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s situation:
      • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the previous best player for the Bucks before Giannis, demanded a trade in the 1970s, specifically to New York or Los Angeles for personal reasons.
      • The Bucks’ goal is to avoid a repeat of the Abdul-Jabbar situation where he dictates his preferred destination, which could limit their trade return.
    • The Bucks’ dilemma:
      • Milwaukee needs to avoid a similar outcome to the Abdul-Jabbar trade, which led to a long period without a championship.
      • The team has limited cap flexibility and tradable assets, making it challenging to rebuild a contender around Giannis.
      • They are reportedly desperate to keep Giannis and might be willing to sacrifice a lot of assets to build a contender on the fly.
      • The article emphasizes the importance of Giannis’s decision in the coming weeks for the Bucks’ offseason plans.
    • Potential trade scenarios and suitors:
      • Many teams are being discussed as potential landing spots if Giannis becomes available, including the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons.
      • The Lakers are mentioned, but it’s noted they have limited assets, and a trade there would likely only happen if Giannis specifically demanded to go there.
      • Trade packages would likely involve a combination of young players and draft picks.

    In essence, the articles highlight the critical juncture the Milwaukee Bucks face with Giannis Antetokounmpo, drawing parallels to their past experience with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the intense speculation surrounding Giannis’s future in the league.

    The Article’s Core Claim

    The Athletic’s piece posits that Giannis is the linchpin of the Bucks’ success, akin to Kareem in his era, and that trading him could doom the franchise to a prolonged rebuild. It points to Milwaukee’s 46-year title drought post-Kareem and implies a similar fate if Giannis is dealt. This narrative assumes Giannis’s current and future impact is on par with Kareem’s, a premise that doesn’t hold up when you scrutinize Giannis’s game.

    Giannis’s Strengths? Limited

    Let’s acknowledge Giannis’ postseason reveals the cracks in his game. Unlike Kareem, whose skyhook and all-around scoring made him nearly unguardable, Giannis’s skill set has exploitable flaws that teams have repeatedly targeted in high-stakes moments. These weaknesses undermine the article’s claim that his departure would be as catastrophic as Kareem’s.

    Weakness #1: Limited Outside Shooting

    Giannis’s lack of a reliable jump shot is his most glaring flaw. His career three-point shooting hovers around 28%, and in the 2024-25 season, he’s hitting just 27.3% from deep on 1.8 attempts per game. In the playoffs, teams like the Miami Heat (2020, 2023) and Boston Celtics (2022) have built “walls” in the paint, daring him to shoot. When he does, the results are inconsistent, allowing defenses to sag off and clog driving lanes. Kareem, by contrast, had a mid-range and post game that forced defenses to respect him at all levels. Giannis’s one-dimensional scoring profile makes him easier to game-plan against in crunch time.

    Weakness #2: Free-Throw Struggles

    Giannis’s free-throw shooting remains a liability, especially in close games. In the 2024-25 season, he’s shooting 65.2% from the line, a marginal improvement but still below average for a star. In the 2021 Finals, his 59.1% free-throw shooting nearly cost the Bucks key games, and opponents often exploit this with intentional fouls late in games. Compare this to Kareem, who shot 72% from the line during his Bucks tenure and didn’t face the same “hack-a-Giannis” strategy. This weakness hampers Giannis’s ability to close out tight playoff games, a critical factor the article overlooks.

    Weakness #3: Playmaking Under Pressure

    While Giannis is a capable passer, averaging around 6 assists per game, his decision-making falters under playoff pressure. His turnover rate spikes in the postseason—3.8 per game in his career compared to 3.2 in the regular season—often due to forced passes or charges into crowded defenses. Teams with elite defenders, like Toronto in 2019, have neutralized him by doubling him early and forcing him to make quick reads he’s not consistently equipped to handle. Kareem, with his high basketball IQ and versatile scoring, was a more reliable hub for his team’s offense, even under defensive scrutiny.

    Weakness #4: Defensive Inconsistency

    Giannis’s 2020 DPOY award highlights his defensive potential, but his impact on that end has waned. In the 2024-25 season, the Bucks’ defensive rating is worse with Giannis on the floor (112.3) compared to off (110.8), per NBA.com. His rim protection and versatility are still elite, but he often conserves energy on defense in the regular season, and in the playoffs, teams exploit his tendency to help off shooters, leaving open threes. Kareem, a three-time blocks leader with Milwaukee, was a consistent defensive anchor. Giannis’s defensive lapses, especially in critical moments, dilute his overall impact.

    Why the Kareem Comparison Fails

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a complete player: a scoring machine with the skyhook, a reliable free-throw shooter, and a defensive stalwart who anchored the Bucks’ system. His departure in 1975 was devastating because his skill set was irreplaceable. Giannis, while a generational talent, has clear holes in his game that teams exploit in the playoffs. The Bucks’ 2021 title required a perfect storm—Khris Middleton’s clutch shooting, Jrue Holiday’s defense, and injuries to opponents like Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving. Without those factors, Giannis’s weaknesses have often led to early exits, like the Bucks’ first-round losses in 2023 and 2024.

    The article’s claim that trading Giannis would mirror Kareem’s exit overstates his indispensability. Milwaukee’s recent trade of Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma shows they’re trying to retool around Giannis, not replace him as a singular saviour. A trade could bring assets to build a more balanced roster, addressing the team’s reliance on a star whose flaws are exposed in high-stakes moments.

    Click bait from the NYT

    The Athletic’s comparison of a potential Giannis trade to Kareem’s departure is so flawed it’s click bait. Giannis’s weaknesses—poor outside shooting, free-throw struggles, shaky play making under pressure, and defensive inconsistency—limit his ability to carry a team in the playoffs the way Kareem did. While he’s a phenomenal talent, he’s not the unassailable force the article suggests. Trading him wouldn’t necessarily doom the Bucks to decades of irrelevance; it could open the door to a smarter, more balanced roster. The Kareem parallel is more emotional than factual. Giannis is an antisocial player who will find it hard to fit in at any other team. Both due to his character flaws and – most importantly – due to his extremely low basketball IQ and limited skill set. He is playing a kind of basketball that has long been surpassed in the NBA and was extremely lucky to win that one championship.

    The Bucks aren’t winning another one with Giannis. The whole point of this article makes no sense.

  • The Atlantic is soooo wrong about Giannis trade situation it’s not even funny

    The Atlantic is soooo wrong about Giannis trade situation it’s not even funny

    You would expect the NY times not to fall into the click bait trap. Granted, this article is high level click bait. It also contains most of the relevant information. Published on May 13, 2025, titled “What we’re hearing about Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks,” speculates heavily on the possibility of the Milwaukee Bucks trading their superstar. While the piece captures the current buzz around Antetokounmpo’s future, it falls short in several critical areas. Specifically, it overlooks the practical constraints that make most of the proposed trade scenarios unrealistic, ignores Antetokounmpo’s proven playoff limitations, and fails to acknowledge that his prime may be waning as the NBA adapts to his playing style.

    1. Ignoring Practical Trade Constraints

    The article suggests several trade destinations for Antetokounmpo, including the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors. However, it glosses over logistical and financial hurdles that render these proposals unrealistic under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the Bucks’ roster situation.

    Salary Cap and Second Apron Issues

    Antetokounmpo’s 2025-26 contract carries a $54.1 million cap hit, potentially higher for apron calculations. The Bucks are $6.5 million above the second apron, a restrictive threshold that prohibits taking back more salary than sent out, aggregating contracts, or using cash in trades. Trading Antetokounmpo would require sending out significant salary—likely players like Bobby Portis ($12.6 million) or Brook Lopez ($23 million)—to match incoming salaries, a complexity the article ignores.

    For example, Houston’s proposed package of Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, and picks would need additional salary fillers like Keldon Johnson ($19 million) or Harrison Barnes ($18 million), burdening Milwaukee with long-term contracts misaligned with rebuilding goals. Similarly, a Spurs deal with Stephon Castle and picks would require veterans like Johnson or Barnes, further complicating the Bucks’ cap situation. The article’s suggestion of a Dallas trade involving the No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg) is impractical, as Flagg’s $13.8 million rookie salary would necessitate multiple mid-sized contracts, disrupting Dallas’ win-now core around Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

    Milwaukee’s Depleted Draft Assets

    The Bucks’ draft capital is severely limited, with unprotected first-round picks owed in 2025, 2027, and 2029, and swap rights held by New Orleans (2026) and Portland (2028, 2030). This restricts their ability to sweeten trade offers or offload contracts like Pat Connaughton’s $9.4 million player option, which the article overlooks. Trading Connaughton alone could cost three to four second-round picks or a late first-rounder, assets Milwaukee lacks. Teams like the Knicks or Nets might demand the Bucks absorb undesirable contracts (e.g., Ben Simmons’ $40.3 million expiring deal), further complicating deals.

    Misaligned Trade Packages

    The article assumes Milwaukee could secure a “meaningful, competitive” rebuild package, citing teams like Houston or San Antonio. However, it overestimates Antetokounmpo’s trade value given his recent playoff struggles and age (30). Teams may hesitate to gut rosters for a player with two years left on his deal (plus a 2027-28 player option) who hasn’t advanced past the first round since 2021. Proposed packages like Zion Williamson from New Orleans or Paul George from Philadelphia are impractical. Williamson’s injury history (214 games in six seasons) and $44.4 million salary are risky, while George’s $52.2 million contract and age (35) offer no long-term value for a rebuilding team. These suggestions ignore Milwaukee’s need for young, cost-controlled talent and draft picks.

    2. Overlooking Antetokounmpo’s Playoff Limitations

    The article portrays Antetokounmpo as a transcendent star whose “greatness could compel nearly every owner and GM” to adjust plans. While his 2024-25 regular-season stats—30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists on 60.1% shooting—are elite, it ignores his recurring playoff struggles, which reduce his trade value and complicate Milwaukee’s situation.

    Clutch and Playoff Shortcomings

    Antetokounmpo has struggled in high-stakes playoff moments. Since the 2021 championship, the Bucks have suffered three consecutive first-round exits, with Antetokounmpo unable to elevate the team against younger, faster opponents like the Indiana Pacers. In Game 5 of the 2025 playoffs, despite a triple-double, he failed to close a 119-118 overtime loss, allowing Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning layup. Post-game confrontations with Haliburton’s father and Bennedict Mathurin reflected frustration but highlighted his inability to channel energy into game-changing plays.

    His free-throw shooting (68.3% career playoff, 65.1% in 2024-25) remains a liability in clutch situations, enabling opponents to foul him late, disrupting Milwaukee’s offense. His lack of a reliable outside shot (27.4% from three in 2024-25) allows defenses to sag off, clogging driving lanes. These weaknesses limit his impact in close games, a critical flaw the article ignores.

    NBA’s Defensive Adaptations

    The NBA has adapted to Antetokounmpo’s heliocentric style, a point the article sidesteps. Teams like the Pacers and Heat use swarming help defenses and “wall” strategies to neutralize his paint dominance. In Game 1 of the 2025 playoffs, Indiana’s ball movement exposed Antetokounmpo’s lag in processing rotations, exacerbated by distrust in teammates like Lopez, whose slow-footed drop coverage was exploited. These schemes force Antetokounmpo into playmaking, but his 3.7 turnovers per game in the 2025 playoffs indicate discomfort under pressure.

    The article’s suggestion of Antetokounmpo as a “dream target” for teams like the Warriors overlooks how modern defenses diminish his fit. Golden State’s small-ball lineups, led by Draymond Green, would dare him to shoot from outside, a weakness incompatible with their spacing-heavy system. Similarly, the Knicks’ and Nets’ defensive-minded rosters (e.g., OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges) would employ similar tactics, doubling Antetokounmpo and forcing him to pass or shoot from distance, areas where he’s less effective.

    3. Is Antetokounmpo Past His Prime?

    The article assumes Antetokounmpo remains at his peak, but evidence suggests he may be past his prime, a possibility it fails to explore. At 30, his athleticism and durability remain elite, but the NBA’s evolution and his playoff struggles raise questions about his ceiling. He also has fallen a lot in defensive metrics since getting the ring and even in offence many of his stats are at career lows.

    Physical and Strategic Decline

    Antetokounmpo’s game relies heavily on athletic dominance, but the wear of 12 NBA seasons (738 regular-season games, 88 playoff games) may be catching up. While he played 73 games in 2024-25, his playoff inefficiencies suggest diminishing returns in high-pressure settings. His usage rate (36.8% in 2024-25, down from 39.1% in 2022-23) indicates a slight reduction in offensive burden, possibly due to coaching adjustments or physical limitations. The article’s failure to address this overlooks a critical factor in his trade value.

    The NBA’s shift toward perimeter-oriented, spacing-heavy offenses also challenges Antetokounmpo’s fit. His limited shooting range forces teams to build around his paint-centric style, which is less versatile in today’s game. Teams like the Warriors or Knicks, cited as suitors, prioritize floor spacing, making Antetokounmpo a stylistic mismatch unless he develops a consistent jumper—an unlikely transformation at this stage.

    Comparison to Historical Trades

    The article compares Antetokounmpo to rare trades of MVP-caliber players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Kevin Durant, but these analogies are flawed. Abdul-Jabbar demanded specific destinations, limiting trade options, while Durant’s 2023 trade occurred under different CBA rules. Antetokounmpo’s situation—tied to a small-market team with limited assets and facing modern defensive schemes—makes a blockbuster trade less feasible. His playoff resume since 2021 further lowers his value compared to those historical precedents.

    4. Misreading Antetokounmpo’s Intentions

    The article speculates on Antetokounmpo’s openness to a trade, citing his attendance at Stephen Curry’s party and cryptic social media posts. However, it overstates these as evidence of discontent. Antetokounmpo has consistently expressed loyalty to Milwaukee, stating in 2023, “This is my team, and it’s going to forever be my team.” His comments about wanting to win another championship reflect ambition, not disloyalty. Multiple sources indicate he remains happy in Milwaukee and values his partnership with Damian Lillard, despite the team’s struggles. The article’s narrative of inevitable trade talks ignores these statements and the Bucks’ annual offseason meetings with Antetokounmpo, which are routine, not crisis-driven.

    5. Bucks’ Alternative Path

    The article assumes trading Antetokounmpo is the only path forward, ignoring alternatives like a “gap year” strategy. With Lillard likely sidelined for 2025-26 due to a torn Achilles, the Bucks could lean into a heliocentric offense around Antetokounmpo, potentially yielding MVP-caliber numbers (e.g., leading the league in scoring or averaging a triple-double). A 44-win season could secure a playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference, maintaining competitiveness while buying time to rebuild assets post-Lillard’s contract (2027). This approach, outlined by The Athletic elsewhere, aligns with Antetokounmpo’s desire to compete and avoids the risks of a premature trade. But maybe Giannis likes the narrative of him being the only hero on the team. He can rack up more 30point games as a ball hogging solo diva and get more amazing stats for himself.

    Giannis is most likely not to go anywhere

    The Athletic’s article oversimplifies Antetokounmpo’s trade prospects by ignoring CBA constraints, his playoff limitations, and signs he may be past his peak. Its proposed trade packages are impractical, failing to account for Milwaukee’s cap issues, depleted draft assets, and rebuilding needs. Furthermore, it overstates Antetokounmpo’s discontent and underestimates the Bucks’ ability to remain competitive without trading him. By focusing on sensational trade scenarios, the article misses the nuanced reality: Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is far from decided, and trading him may not be the panacea it suggests. Critical examination reveals a narrative driven more by rumour than practicality, leaving readers with an incomplete picture of a complex situation.

    ———————– for reference here it is ———————————————————–

    What we’re hearing about Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks

    By Sam Amick, Eric Nehm, and David Aldridge

    May 13, 2025, 9:00 AM

    Giannis Antetokounmpo has not asked for a trade, but Milwaukee’s ability to build a championship roster around him appears constrained. So now what?

    The Milwaukee Bucks have won their NBA Cup trophy, and they will always have their 2021 championship. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that their championship window with Antetokounmpo has likely closed, with their third consecutive first-round exit this postseason — combined with the devastating Achilles injury to co-star Damian Lillard — making it all the more difficult to avoid that harsh reality. As such, the Antetokounmpo-related chatter is louder than ever, with the two-time MVP known to be weighing his options and the Bucks facing the possibility that the franchise cornerstone might not finish his career in Milwaukee after all.

    The Bucks and Antetokounmpo are expected to meet soon to discuss the future, league sources tell The Athletic, with those annual discussions taking on a different tone this time around. For the first time in his career, the 30-year-old Antetokounmpo is said to be open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere, those sources said. Antetokounmpo has three years left on his contract, with a player option in the final season (2027-28).

    Antetokounmpo has long made it clear that he’s all about winning, telling The New York Times in August 2023, “This is my team, and it’s going to forever be my team. … But we have to win another one. … Winning a championship comes first. I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship.”

    The Bucks have not won a playoff series since their lone title together, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to envision a path toward title contention with their current roster and limited flexibility. That isn’t likely this time around, however, as the Bucks have used almost all of those assets in the previous two situations and now can only add additional pick swaps to their 2026, ’28 and ’30 first-round picks or trade one of their first-round picks in either 2031 or 2032. Pulling off a trade big enough to appease Antetokounmpo’s desire to compete for a second championship in 2026 may end up being impossible and leave the Bucks forced to contemplate other plans for contention moving forward. With a blockbuster trade hard to imagine, where do you feel that leaves the Bucks, DA?

    Aldridge: Let me be as clear as possible on this. I want Giannis Antetokounmpo to finish his career in Milwaukee. There are few stories as meaningful to the notion of the NBA that I believe is the best version of the NBA than a young player coming to a small or mid-market team, discovering his greatest potential and winning in front of a fan base that understands, better than any in New York or L.A., what it’s really like to struggle, what it’s really like to not be viewed as a marquee franchise.

    I believe Giannis wants to stay in Milwaukee — but, understandably, doesn’t want to waste the rest of his prime in service to a team that isn’t good enough to contend. The problem Antetokounmpo has is that the Bucks have done nearly everything he’s asked over the years by surrounding him with players or coaches that he wanted in the hunt for a first, and then, a second title. That most of the moves haven’t yet worked, or even come close, isn’t the Greek Freak’s fault, of course. His play remains above reproach. But they haven’t worked. And they don’t leave Milwaukee with a lot of runway to take yet another big swing. No one is going to take on the rest of Dame’s latest extension — $54.1 million next season, followed by a $58.4 million player option for 2026-27. Maybe, if Lillard were healthy, the Bucks could engage the Phoenix Suns on Bradley Beal.

    The Bucks don’t have a lot of future picks to deal — just their 2031 or ’32 first-rounder, and pick swaps in ’26, ’28 and ’30. They don’t have a lot of young players under team control to put in a deal, either. They could try to move Brook Lopez, who is 37 and a free agent after this season, and/or Bobby Portis, who has a $13.4 million player option for next season. Neither is likely to bring back a significant return, though.

    Conversely, now is the time for Giannis to get clarity on what all of the interested teams might be able to put together if he came their way, as well as what might remain if they pull off a trade. It’s widely known that the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have the goods, and the gall, to get something done that might allow the Bucks to rebuild in a meaningful, competitive way. The New York Knicks and the Nets are expected to be in the running if these sweepstakes become an actual thing. The Dallas Mavericks — somehow — landed the No. 1 pick on Monday night and could now entertain the prospect of putting it on the table for someone of Antetokounmpo’s ilk. We have previously reported that Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, architect of the Luka Dončić trade, is expected to be in win-now/defense-wins-championships/Nike-superstar mode again this summer.

    Giannis checks all of those boxes. Antetokounmpo, who has been known to be a dream target of the Warriors for a long time, made a late-night appearance at Curry’s party in San Francisco during All-Star weekend. Warriors officials on hand took (gleeful) notice — including fellow attendee, Golden State owner Joe Lacob. Draymond Green and Kevon Looney were part of the get-together as well. Giannis and Steph, it should be noted, are both represented by the same Octagon agency. Still, it was a Warriors-centric event with one notable, and very large, exception. And while Golden State is deeply invested in its Jimmy Butler era at the moment, the reality about a player like Antetokounmpo is that his greatness could compel nearly every owner and GM in the league to adjust their plan. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Despite the spotlight turning Antetokounmpo’s way on Monday, we’re not there just yet.

    Nehm: I’d push back a little bit on one point, DA. I agree that Antetokounmpo’s play remains above reproach, but I don’t know that I’d say the Bucks have done “nearly everything he’s asked over the years.” Yes, they made the big swing for Lillard, and they brought in Doc Rivers as coach after firing Adrian Griffin, but I don’t know that those were Antetokounmpo’s demands so much as they were the front office trying to keep their star happy after a couple of disappointing seasons. Antetokounmpo is not the type to make demands in the way that other stars do, but he’s been clear about his desire to compete for championships. And the Bucks have tried to deliver on that front, even if the results haven’t followed.

    The bigger issue, as you both have pointed out, is the lack of assets. The Bucks are in a tough spot with their draft capital, and they don’t have the young talent to make a blockbuster trade without gutting the roster around Antetokounmpo. If they were to trade him, they’d need to get back a package that allows them to rebuild quickly, but that’s easier said than done. Houston and San Antonio have the picks and young players to make something work, but would they be willing to part with enough to satisfy Milwaukee? And would Antetokounmpo be happy going to a non-contender like Houston or San Antonio, even if they have promising young cores?

    The Warriors angle is interesting, Sam, but I wonder about the fit. Golden State’s system relies so heavily on spacing and shooting, and Antetokounmpo’s lack of a consistent outside shot could clog things up. Plus, the Warriors don’t have a ton of assets to offer unless they’re willing to part with young players like Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski, and even then, they’d need to get creative with salary matching. What do you think about the Warriors as a potential destination, Sam?

    Amick: It’s a fascinating one to consider, Eric, if only because the Warriors have been so open about their desire to pair a superstar with Curry in this late stage of his career. Antetokounmpo’s fit isn’t perfect, as you noted, because of the shooting issue. But his dominance in the paint and his defensive versatility could make them a nightmare to deal with, especially if they keep Draymond Green in the mix. The bigger question is what the Bucks would get back. Kuminga, Podziemski, and a couple of first-round picks might be the starting point, but Milwaukee would likely want more — and the Warriors don’t have a ton of draft capital to offer. Plus, as you mentioned, the salary matching is a nightmare with the Bucks being above the second apron.

    The Houston and San Antonio scenarios are more realistic from an asset perspective. Houston could offer a package centered around Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, and a boatload of picks, including their own and Phoenix’s future firsts. San Antonio could build something around Stephon Castle, their No. 2 pick in this draft, and additional picks like Atlanta’s 2025 and 2027 firsts. But both teams are still building toward contention, and Antetokounmpo might not have the patience to wait for them to get there. The Knicks and Nets make sense as big-market teams with enough assets to get in the conversation, but their offers would likely lean more on picks than proven young talent, which might not appeal to Milwaukee.

    The Dallas situation is the wild card. If they’re willing to put Cooper Flagg on the table, that changes everything. Flagg, at $13.8 million on his rookie deal, plus a couple of mid-sized contracts like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, could make the money work. But would Dallas really give up a generational talent like Flagg for Antetokounmpo, who is 30 and hasn’t been out of the first round in three years? That’s a tough call, especially with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis already in place.

    Aldridge: The Dallas scenario is intriguing, but I’m skeptical they’d move Flagg. He’s the kind of player you build around for a decade, and with Irving and Davis, they’re already in win-now mode. Adding Antetokounmpo would make them a juggernaut, but the cost might be too steep. I keep coming back to Houston and San Antonio as the most logical partners if Milwaukee decides to go the rebuild route. Houston’s got the young talent and picks, and San Antonio’s got the draft capital and a clear vision with Wembanyama. A package of Castle, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, and a couple of firsts could be enough to get Milwaukee’s attention, especially if Antetokounmpo signals he’s open to a smaller market like San Antonio.

    The bigger question, to me, is what Antetokounmpo wants. He’s been loyal to Milwaukee, but he’s also been clear about wanting to win. If he’s truly open to a trade, he’s got to be looking at teams that can contend immediately — not teams that are a year or two away. That’s where the Warriors, Knicks, or even a dark horse like the Heat come into play. Miami doesn’t have the assets to pull it off without including Bam Adebayo, which they won’t do, but Pat Riley always finds a way to get in the mix for a star like this.

    Nehm: That’s the crux of it, isn’t it? What does Giannis want? He’s been so focused on competing that it’s hard to imagine him signing off on a trade to a team that’s not ready to win now. But the Bucks’ situation is so dire — with Lillard’s injury, the lack of picks, and the aging roster — that staying might mean accepting a few years of mediocrity. That’s not who Antetokounmpo is. He’s wired to chase greatness, and if the Bucks can’t provide that, he might have to look elsewhere. The question is whether he’s ready to take that leap and leave the only NBA home he’s ever known.

    For the Bucks, it’s a brutal spot. Trading Antetokounmpo would be admitting defeat, but keeping him and failing to contend could lead to the same outcome a year or two down the line. If they do trade him, they need to nail the return — young players who can be cornerstones and picks to rebuild the pipeline. Anything less, and they’re setting themselves back a decade. It’s a high-stakes summer for Milwaukee, and the whole league is watching.

    Photo Credit: Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during a game against the Pacers. (Michael Hickey / Getty Images)

    Authors:

    • Sam Amick is a senior NBA writer for The Athletic, covering the NBA since 2008 and previously working for Sports Illustrated, SLAM, and USA Today.
    • Eric Nehm is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Milwaukee Bucks. Previously, he covered the Bucks at ESPN Milwaukee and wrote the book “100 Things Bucks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.” Nehm was named NSMA’s 2022 Wisconsin Sports Writer of the Year.
    • David Aldridge is a senior columnist for The Athletic, covering the NBA and NFL since 1987, previously with The Washington Post, ESPN, and Turner Sports.

  • “Underwhelming”Giannis, trade chatter, the Bucks look stuck after another lost season

    “Underwhelming”Giannis, trade chatter, the Bucks look stuck after another lost season

    Summary of the Article:

    The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a challenging offseason after another disappointing first-round playoff exit, falling to the Indiana Pacers in a heartbreaking Game 5 overtime loss. This marks their third consecutive early playoff exit following their 2021 NBA championship. The situation is compounded by Damian Lillard’s severe Achilles injury, which will likely sideline him for most of the next season, severely limiting the Bucks’ championship aspirations.

    Key Points:

    • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Frustration:
      Giannis has been vocal about his desire to move past first-round playoff failures, emphasizing the importance of making deep playoff runs. Despite his historic individual performances, the team has struggled to build a cohesive and effective roster around him.
    • Roster and Strategic Challenges:
      The Bucks’ attempt to integrate their “big three” of Giannis, Lillard, and Khris Middleton was short-lived and ineffective, leading to Middleton’s trade for Kyle Kuzma. The team showed flashes of strong defense, especially with Andre Jackson Jr., but struggled to find a consistent offensive identity.
    • Lillard’s Injury Impact:
      Lillard’s torn Achilles tendon drastically changes the Bucks’ outlook, as his large contract and uncertain recovery complicate roster flexibility and future planning. His injury also casts doubt on potential trades or roster changes that might have been considered if he had remained healthy.
    • Front Office and Coaching:
      Despite the setbacks, Giannis remains supportive of coach Doc Rivers and the front office, including GM Jon Horst, who was recently extended. The organization values stability but faces tough decisions with several key players becoming free agents or having player options.
    • Future Uncertainty:
      The Bucks must decide how to build around Giannis moving forward amid limited options and a roster that may only be competitive at a lower playoff level. Speculation about Giannis’s future with the team is rampant, but his commitment to Milwaukee remains strong for now.

    Conclusion:

    The Bucks are at a crossroads after failing to capitalize on their championship window. With Lillard’s injury and ongoing roster challenges, they face a difficult offseason in deciding how to remain competitive around Giannis. The team’s ability to adapt and make strategic moves will be critical to their future success, while Giannis’s leadership and vision will heavily influence the direction they take.

    Citations:
    https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6325492/2025/05/01/giannis-bucks-trade-chatter/

    Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Bears the Blame for the Bucks’ Downfall

    1 Failure to Evolve as a Playmaker
    Giannis Antetokounmpo is a force of nature, averaging 30.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, with a historic Game 5 performance against the Pacers (30 points, 20 rebounds, 13 assists, two blocks, and two steals). Yet, despite these gaudy numbers, his team lost. Why? Giannis has not fully embraced the playmaking role he claims to aspire to. He’s expressed a desire to be a “legit point forward” like LeBron James, using his “cookie jar” analogy to emphasise controlling the ball. However, his execution often falls short.


    In critical moments, Giannis reverts to forcing drives into crowded defences rather than consistently setting up teammates. His 6.5 assists per game are impressive, but they mask inefficiencies—turnovers in high-pressure situations and a reluctance to trust others when double-teamed. The Bucks’ offence stagnates when Giannis dominates the ball without creating easy looks for others, a flaw exposed repeatedly in playoff losses. For a player of his calibre, failing to evolve into a true floor general is a significant shortcoming that hampers the team’s potential.


    2 Public Comments Undermine Team Morale
    Giannis’ public statements have also fueled instability. His occasional remarks about his future—hinting at leaving Milwaukee if the team doesn’t meet his championship expectations—have created a cloud of uncertainty. These comments, like those following the 2023 and 2024 playoff exits, put pressure on the front office and teammates, fostering a sense of urgency that’s led to rash decisions. The trade for Damian Lillard in 2023, for instance, was partly driven by Giannis’ implicit threats to depart, sacrificing Jrue Holiday and depth for a star who hasn’t meshed seamlessly.


    Such rhetoric doesn’t just affect management; it impacts the locker room. Teammates, aware of Giannis’ potential exit, may question their own roles or the team’s direction. His leadership style, while intense, lacks the unifying quality of players like LeBron or even Dirk Nowitzki, who stayed loyal to Dallas through ups and downs without public ultimatums. Giannis’ words have inadvertently painted him as a star who prioritises personal success over collective loyalty, eroding the trust needed for a championship culture.


    3 Inability to Mesh with Lillard
    The Lillard-Antetokounmpo pairing was supposed to be a championship formula, but it’s been a disappointment. Lillard’s arrival forced Giannis to share the ball, a transition he’s struggled with. The Bucks’ offense often looks clunky, with Giannis and Lillard alternating possessions rather than complementing each other. Giannis’ ball-dominant style clashes with Lillard’s need for rhythm as a shooter and playmaker, leading to inconsistent performances.
    While injuries have played a part—Lillard’s Achilles tear is a massive blow—Giannis hasn’t done enough to make the partnership work. His insistence on controlling the “cookie jar” limits Lillard’s ability to operate in his natural role. Compare this to other superstar duos, like Durant and Curry, who adapted their games to maximize each other’s strengths. Giannis’ refusal to fully embrace a more flexible role has stifled the Bucks’ offense, making them predictable and easier to defend in the playoffs.


    4 The Bucks’ Desperate Moves Reflect Giannis’ Pressure
    The Bucks’ front office has bent over backward to appease Giannis, and the results have been disastrous. Trading Khris Middleton, a franchise cornerstone, for Kyle Kuzma in 2025 was a desperate attempt to shake things up, driven by Giannis’ looming free agency in 2027. The Lillard trade, the firing of Mike Budenholzer, and the hiring of Doc Rivers all stem from the need to keep Giannis happy. Yet, these moves have left the Bucks with a bloated payroll, no draft assets, and a roster ill-equipped to compete with elite teams like Boston or Oklahoma City.
    Giannis’ max extensions in 2020 and 2023, while earned, have also hamstrung the team’s flexibility. His $54.6 million salary, combined with Lillard’s $54.1 million, pushes Milwaukee into the second apron, limiting their ability to add talent. The Bucks’ lack of a development pipeline or tradeable assets is a direct consequence of building around Giannis’ timeline, leaving them with no fallback plan when injuries strike.


    5 A Legacy of Missed Opportunities
    At 30, Giannis is in his prime, but his window for another title is narrowing. His 2021 championship was a triumph, but the Bucks haven’t come close since. His inability to elevate the team in the postseason—missing key games in 2023 and 2024 due to injuries and failing to deliver in 2025 despite a historic stat line—raises questions about his clutch performance. Unlike other MVPs who’ve carried flawed rosters deep into the playoffs, Giannis has yet to show he can overcome adversity without a perfect supporting cast.
    His playstyle hasn’t adapted to modern NBA demands, his public comments have destabilised the organisation, and his inability to gel with Lillard has squandered a golden opportunity. The trade chatter surrounding him now, with teams like Houston, Brooklyn, and San Antonio circling, reflects a growing belief that Giannis may not be the leader to carry Milwaukee back to glory.


    Conclusion: Time for a Reckoning
    Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA’s greatest names, but his tenure in Milwaukee is teetering on the edge. The Bucks’ collapse isn’t just about injuries or bad luck; it’s about a superstar who hasn’t fully embraced the leadership and adaptability required to sustain a contender. As trade rumours swirl, Giannis must confront his role in this mess. Whether he stays or goes, the Bucks’ woes trace back to his shortcomings as much as any external factor. For Milwaukee to move forward, Giannis needs to evolve—or the franchise may have no choice but to start anew without him.