The Milwaukee Bucks are entering the 2025 NBA offseason with one clear mission: retaining franchise cornerstone and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Following a disappointing 2024-25 season. There have been several rumors regarding Antetokounmpo's future. Speculation surrounding the former NBA Champion has grown louder in the past few weeks, adding fuel to the fire.
According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, in his Substack, the Stein Line, the Bucks are trying their best to retain their superstar.
"There are some useful fresh morsels on the subject, though, that we can pass along. Some insight, namely, on the Bucks' approach to trying to convince him to stay," Stein writes.
"Word is that the Bucks are trying to build a good bit of their case for convincing Antetokounmpo to give them another shot to build a title team around him by loudly reminding him about the current state of the Eastern Conference."
The Bucks finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 48-34. However, they didn't fare well in the postseason, getting eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers. It marked the third time they were eliminated in the first round.
Last season, they made some mid-season trades to assemble the best roster around him and Damian Lillard, notably trading Kris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. However, the trades weren't enough to push them over the hump in t a shifting Eastern Conference.
Despite the early exits, the Bucks remain committed to building around Antetokounmpo.
Now, with an uncertain future, the Bucks are under pressure to convincingly keep their franchise star.