The Milwaukee Bucks are in trouble. They haven’t made it back to the NBA Finals, let alone the Eastern Conference Finals since winning the championship in 2021. Although they have been able to retain most of the players since then, it seems like they haven’t seen any success. Realistically, the Bucks face looming roster problems around their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo that could lead to losing him.
Ageing Core Doesn’t Match Giannis’ Timeline
The Bucks have to figure out how to surround Giannis with players that can last the long haul. Currently their core is ageing and does not match Giannis’ timeline. Taking a look at their top players like Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton, it is easy to tell that the time is ticking on their availability.
Lopez, who has been a solid defender and contributor at the center position is 35. He will be 36 by the end of the upcoming season. Also, he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. At that point, if Lopez stays with the team he would only be a shadow of what he once was.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Middleton is technically still in his prime at 32, but this could be the last productive year for him. More importantly, he is coming off knee surgery and had an MCL strain that kept him out of the 2022 playoffs. That could be a concern for the Bucks if he does not show glimpses of his old self since the championship run.
Holiday is 33 years old and has already hinted that he might retire after his contract is up in 2025. Per the pointforward podcast, he said that he feels “very strongly about it” when asked when he would be done playing in the NBA. That is not good news for a team that relies on his playmaking at guard, his defense and scoring contributions.
Due to the Bucks facing an ageing roster, Giannis might not wait around to find out what’s next?
Giannis Wants To Capitalize On His Prime
Giannis has expressed his concern and willingness to win at all costs in an appearance on the 48 minutes podcast. He feels very strongly about capitalizing on his prime at just 28 years old.
Giannis opened up about winning a second championship. He said that he doesn’t want to be “stuck in this lifetime to keep on talking about the same story,” in regards to the one ring he has. At the end of the day he wants “to be a winner.” That is something the Bucks organization needs to take serious and immediately find solutions to keep him in Milwaukee.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Also, he mentioned how if at any one point if he feels that “people are not as committed as I am to get that golden thing in the back (Larry O’Brien Trophy), I am not.” He stressed that “It’s more than the money, it’s more than the fame, it’s more than the lobsters, it’s more than the charter flights, private flights. For me, it’s all about that [trophy]. And I want that.”
Giannis added that “if there’s a better situation for me to win the Larry O’Brien, I have to take that better situation.”
The two-time NBA MVP is sending a message to the Bucks organization and they have to take it seriously. Although he is a max-player, Giannis has made it clear that the money alone won’t keep him in Milwaukee. He would need to know that he is competing for a championship year in and year out.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Milwaukee is a smaller market in the NBA world. It is hard for them to empty out the bag like the Lakers, Warriors and even the Knicks, who all have more money to spend on roster changes. Realistically, they become a tough market to recruit players. Giannis is currently their way to attract players. Unfortunately, if they can’t keep him happy or there is a sense that he will leave the team, they won’t have any leverage. Conclusively, the Bucks face looming roster problems around Giannis.
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