The Milwaukee Bucks are about to enter a very interesting 2025 NBA offseason.
Milwaukee's future hangs in the balance after a disappointing first-round playoff exit, marking their third in as many years.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment uncertain amid swirling trade rumors, the Bucks could face some pivotal decisions.
The team’s core around Giannis—Damian Lillard (34), Brook Lopez (36), and Kyle Kuzma, acquired in a trade for Khris Middleton—didn't look like a contender this season, and Lillard's injury only severely worsened matters.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and Finals MVP, has emphasized winning above all else, raising questions about whether Milwaukee can rebuild around him or must pivot to a new era.
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A potential blockbuster trade could reshape the franchise, and one name has emerged as a target to anchor their next chapter.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently highlighted a young star who could be the centerpiece of such a deal, stating, "The Houston Rockets shouldn't trade Amen Thompson under almost any circumstances. Coming off a breakout 2024-25 season, he's poised to be a contender for Defensive Player of the Year for most of the next decade and is only scratching the surface of his offensive potential. But if the Milwaukee Bucks are going to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, they need to make the biggest asks imaginable."
And if the Rockets are near the goal line on Giannis, would they really scuttle the deal by refusing to include Thompson?" Hughes continued.
"The Bucks have to get back a hope-inducing cornerstone if they move their two-time MVP. Thompson would fit that bill better than almost anyone. Perhaps just as importantly, he'd allow the Bucks to build an identity around his incomparable defense as they look to their next era."
Thompson, the Houston Rockets’ 22-year-old wing, has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most promising talents. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 69 games, earning First Team All-Defensive honors.
In the playoffs, he elevated his game, averaging 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors, including a 24-point, nine-rebound effort in Game 7. His 6-foot-7 frame, elite athleticism, and defensive versatility make him a perfect fit for a Bucks team seeking a new identity.
For Milwaukee, Thompson represents a cost-controlled, high-upside cornerstone to build around post-Giannis.
His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends could help the Bucks avoid a full rebuild while maintaining competitiveness.
If Antetokounmpo demands a trade, Milwaukee could leverage his value to land Thompson, setting the stage for a new era defined by elite defense.
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