The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are just getting started. With Damian Lillard likely missing all or most of next season, an aging roster, and almost no trade assets, the odds of the Milwaukee Bucks seriously competing next season aren’t great.

After the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, trade rumors began to surface. Most of the trade talk involves Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Many believe he will request a trade after being ousted in the opening round of the postseason for a third year in a row.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to compete for championships, and that probably won't happen next season in Milwaukee. Still, the Bucks could use the gap year with Giannis to reload for the future. That might be the only pitch that the Bucks have for their superstar.