Over the past few weeks, the Milwaukee Bucks have made some big moves to prepare for next season.
By signing Myles Turner and waiving and stretching Damian Lillard, the Bucks are in a position to compete in a weakened Eastern Conference next season. As injuries will tell the stories of the season for a few of the Bucks’ competitors, Giannis Antetokounmpo will have a chance to make his mark on the league again next season.
Of course, Antetokounmpo’s future with the team was in question heading into this offseason. After the Bucks went out in the first round for the third straight year, they needed to ensure Antetokounmpo that they were still in a position to compete for a title.
While Milwaukee’s roster isn’t the most intimidating on paper, it should fit well around Antetokounmpo, allowing the two-time MVP to play to his strengths. While the Bucks avoided any trade requests from Antetokounmpo, they might soon be facing a much more dire situation.
Following the 2026-27 season, Anetokounmpo has a player option for the 2028 season. If he were to decline that option, he would become an unrestricted free agent, allowing other teams to finally make a run at the Greek superstar.
As noted by Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons on a recent podcast, the LA Clippers only have $20 million on the books for what would be Antetokounmpo’s first season after 2027 free agency. Considering the Clippers’ recent star-hunting and flexibility for Antetokounmpo’s free agent class, they could be the team in the best position to make a run, with Simmons perfectly summing up the Clippers’ situation.
“Short term? Let’s try to win. Long term? Giannis,” Simmons said.