The Milwaukee Bucks need to consider trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. This has been clear since last May, yet the team has refused to acknowledge it, dismissing rumors and insisting Giannis hasn’t requested a trade. Their denial seems to be a way of coping with a difficult reality. When Damian Lillard got injured, the Bucks made a shortsighted move by waiving him and signing Myles Turner to an expensive contract that now looks questionable. Reports surfaced that Giannis preferred to join the New York Knicks, but the Bucks ignored this, failing to initiate serious trade talks or create competition among potential trading partners.
The Bucks continued on this path throughout the season and, unsurprisingly to most, they currently hold an 18-26 record, failing to rank among the top 10 in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. They were expected to be buyers at the trade deadline, but the additions of Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant are unlikely to rescue an already lost season, and any chance of a deadline deal now seems unlikely. Compounding their problems, Giannis suffered a calf muscle strain and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. The Bucks’ recent loss to the depleted Denver Nuggets highlighted their struggles — and from a practical standpoint, this injury doesn’t change much. The team was never factoring Giannis’s health into their championship hopes, and the best option remains to trade him.
While trading Giannis now means they’d likely get less value than at previous points—especially compared to last summer or even two weeks ago while he was healthy—they would probably still receive more than if they wait until the offseason. At that point, Giannis would almost certainly refuse to re-sign, effectively signaling his intent to leave Milwaukee. Unfortunately, the Bucks have consistently acted with short-term thinking, aiming only to secure contract extensions. This pattern was evident in 2020 when they traded Jrue Holiday to lock in Giannis, winning a title, and again in 2023 when they acquired Damian Lillard, which only led to their current struggles. Team president Jon Horst has a history of pulling off surprises, but time is running out.
Given Giannis’s injury and the team’s poor record without him (3-11), there’s little reason for him to return this season. By the time he’s back, the Bucks will likely be too far out of playoff contention to benefit. Meanwhile, Milwaukee won’t have control over a first-round draft pick until 2031, but a promising 2026 draft pick, currently influenced by trade agreements with the Pelicans and Hawks, could be a valuable asset. If the Bucks tank, they could secure a top-10 pick, adding another tool for rebuild or future trades.
If the Bucks are committed to rebuilding, these draft picks—including unprotected picks in 2031 and 2033—offer a solid foundation for a summer trade package aimed at a quicker return to relevance. However, simply acquiring a flashy star doesn’t solve the Bucks’ problems. Milwaukee excels in shooting efficiency but struggles badly in defense, free-throw shooting, rebounding, and turnovers. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive overhaul that likely needs multiple trade cycles, not just one big move.
Investing heavily to fix these problems could be risky. If Giannis leaves anyway, such moves only extend his frustration. But if Giannis decides to stay, the Bucks would be heavily invested in a 31-year-old star with an injury history during what might be his prime years. While Giannis’s talent can elevate teams close to contention, the Bucks are still far from that level. The question remains: how long will Giannis wait for the team to catch up?
Ultimately, the rest of this season should be about preparing for the future without Giannis. The promising 2026 draft pick could become a cornerstone for the next phase of Bucks basketball. Even if the Bucks aren’t ready to face it publicly, planning for a substantial rebuild—potentially through a big trade in the summer—is the smartest move. The 2025-26 Bucks have little to gain this season except positioning themselves for what’s next. As much as the team wants Giannis to remain, it’s time to accept the reality that he might not and start acting accordingly.
Fan Take: This situation is critical for basketball fans because Giannis is one of the game’s most dominant players, and how the Bucks handle this crossroads could shape the NBA landscape for years. Whether they rebuild or make a final push for a title, the outcome will affect competitive balance and the future excitement of the league.
