The Milwaukee Bucks have lost to the playoffs in the first round twice in a row. Last season, the signing of Damian Lillard did not have the inspiring impact the front staff had hoped for. The Bucks now go into the upcoming season determined to win a championship and forget about the previous two campaigns.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he wants to compete at the top level. He aspires to establish his legacy and win titles. Giannis' tenure in Milwaukee might be over if the Bucks miss a genuine postseason run for the third consecutive year.
Several NBA teams have started keeping an eye on Giannis' status in Milwaukee, particularly his resolve to stay with the team, according to ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst.
According to Charania, "they are very closely monitoring how this issue proceeds in Milwaukee," on Tuesday's First Take show. "His appearance. His style of play.
Building on Charania's remarks, Windhorst added that everyone would be watching Doc Rivers' squad during the forthcoming season.
"These are the conversations Shams and I have when we talk to people in the league," Windhorst added. "When Shams and I are talking to people in the league, this is what they're talking about. They're talking about what's going to happen with Giannis. What's going to happen with the Bucks. How are the Bucks going to be this year? Are they going to be good enough where Giannis is going to stay committed?"
Milwaukee is at a turning point in its history. Khris Middleton has changed from being a top-tier supporting star to someone else. Brook Lopez is in the midst of his last performance. Nor is Damian Lillard growing any younger. Their lack of youthful talent with All-Star potential just serves to exacerbate their problems.
It is unrealistic to expect Giannis to remain with a team that is losing. Staying competitive and going on a deep playoff run is the only way to please him. For this iteration of the Bucks, another first-round loss would be devastating.
Giannis, however, has a deal with Milwaukee that expires no earlier than 2027. As a result, the group does have some influence on his immediate destiny. However, Giannis would speed up that rebuild on the trade market if a complete overhaul is required. His future in Milwaukee is far from assured, even though it might not be simple.