The Milwaukee Bucks experienced a disappointing end to their season prior to even making it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Now, they enter a tough situation where they need to get a long-term extension done with Giannis Antetokounmpo but are coming off an early out.
To add to the situation, Antetokounmpo appears to have unfollowed the Bucks and his teammates on his official social media accounts.
The decision to do a social media unfollowing sweep is a curious one considering the timing. The Bucks will need to ensure it’s only because Antetokounmpo wants to simplify his feed and not because he’s unhappy with the team.
It’s important to remember, Antetokounmpo stated earlier this year that he would stay with the Bucks ‘as long as we’re winning.’ Having shortcomings in the post-season as Milwaukee has experienced in consecutive seasons since his emergence as an MVP talent could raise concerns.
The Bucks will be entering a difficult offseason navigating the situation with Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee must determine what they need to do from a roster standpoint to surround Giannis with sufficient talent to contend, or if they don’t want to risk him walking in free agency.
Even with just one season remaining on his current contract, Antetokounmpo would have no shortage of suitors. Adding a talent of that kind would make any team that already has a high-level star a contender practically immediately.
The main question becomes, which teams would be able to form such a duo and still have enough leftover in their supporting cast? It appears it would have to be a team with substantial future draft compensation.
Regardless of how the situation plays out with Giannis Antetokounmpo, it will be fascinating to track. The Bucks have clearly established something special with their regular season success, but may need to shake things up to have it translate to playoff wins in one final run.
NBA Analysis Network brings you up-to-date information, news, and analysis about the Milwaukee Bucks and all 30 teams in the league. Make sure to give us a follow on Twitter and like our Facebook page.
