The Milwaukee Bucks have enjoyed years of success with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the helm. Yet, as the NBA landscape shifts and injuries hit the roster, the franchise's future faces serious questions. With superstar Damian Lillard sidelined, many are asking: is it time for Milwaukee to move on from their two-time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Giannis Antetokounmpo: A Milwaukee Legend Faces Uncertainty

Since being drafted in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo has elevated the Bucks to championship contenders. He led Milwaukee to an NBA title in 2021, brought home multiple MVP awards, and turned the franchise into a perennial playoff threat. However, the current roster, once built for title runs, is aging and depleted. The Bucks now face a pivotal crossroads, highlighted by Lillard’s devastating Achilles injury.

According to Yahoo Sports, Milwaukee is “stuck,” and trading Giannis Antetokounmpo—once unthinkable—might be the only way forward. The Bucks owe top-dollar salaries to key players, but are short on draft picks and young talent. With internal development stalling and no clear path to reload, the Bucks' championship window appears to be closing fast.

Lillard’s Injury Changes Everything

Damian Lillard’s torn Achilles in the first round of the 2025 playoffs has a ripple effect across the Bucks’ future. The team now trails the young Indiana Pacers and faces a likely early playoff exit. Without Lillard for the foreseeable future, Milwaukee’s leverage in trades or free agency is severely limited.

As noted by CBS Sports, the parallels with past NBA superstars such as Kevin Garnett reveal a harsh truth: even generational talents struggle to carry rosters with declining supporting casts. The Bucks’ financial commitments, along with a lack of draft flexibility, point toward a full-scale rebuild rather than another quick fix.

Possible Outcomes: Rebuild or Retool?

The Bucks organization must decide between two paths. They could attempt to retool around Giannis Antetokounmpo, hoping to compete once Lillard returns—even if he’s not the same All-Star. Alternatively, Milwaukee could make the painful choice to trade their superstar, stock up on youth and picks, and start a new chapter.

MassLive.com points out that if Giannis is available, any acquiring team instantly becomes a contender. In turn, the Bucks could accelerate their own rebuilding process. The long-term impact will not only affect Milwaukee, but also shift the NBA’s balance of power for years to come.

What’s Next for Giannis and the Bucks?

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s loyalty to Milwaukee is well documented. He remains among the NBA’s very best and would be highly sought after by any franchise eyeing a deep playoff run. However, the Bucks’ lack of assets and shifting roster situation could force a decision sooner than anyone expected.

Whether he stays to help the team retool or seeks a fresh start elsewhere, the fate of the Milwaukee Bucks—and of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s legacy—will be one of the NBA’s most fascinating stories to watch this offseason.

For more in-depth analysis on the Bucks' situation and what a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could mean for the league, read:

• With Damian Lillard out, it's time for the Bucks to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo - Yahoo Sports
• Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo era should end with Damian Lillard's injury, and a trade can benefit all involved - CBSSports.com
• Major injury could spell doom for Boston Celtics rival’s status as a contender - masslive.com