For Giannis Antetokounmpo, the city of Wisconsin holds a dear place in his heart. However, as loyal as he is to the Milwaukee Bucks, he isn’t unwilling to break the oath under certain circumstances. “I don’t want to be 20 years on the same team and don’t win another championship” the Greek Freak reiterated. The fear led the Bucks to commit to Damian Lillard and strengthen their championship position. However, in their first season as a tandem, there were glaring weaknesses. Austin Rivers feels the two-time MVP won’t hesitate to put his trade request in if they aren’t soon rectified.

Given his father, Doc Rivers is at the helm, the former Nuggets guard didn’t feel entirely comfortable speaking about his trademark superstar’s possible departure. But he does think the Deers need to attain a certain level of success to keep Antetokounmpo happy. “I hate saying that but if they aren’t able to have some real success. And I would define that as at least Conference Finals then I don’t see him sticking around,” he said on his podcast.

It’s not an erroneous stand to have. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a fighter at heart. Given his command over the game and the colossal impact he tends to have, the former DPOY wants to stay on the trajectory of attaining silverware. During the last postseason, he suffered an injury. Hence, Lillard and Antetokounmpo’s playoff viability remains untested.

But at 30, his craving for another title is at its boiling point. Despite his signing an extension, keeping him under contract for another four years doesn’t necessarily mean he will play it out. “In today’s NBA if a guy is unhappy and wants out, what you going to do?” Rivers proclaimed on the Off Guard podcast.

Realistically, this might be the season that decides Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, two core pieces become free agents in the coming summer. Additionally, if the Lillard-Antetokounmpo duo remains uncoordinated, the Trail Blazers icon might also push for his next destination. And some teams in the NBA will be watching closely.

Recently, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported the Warriors’ interest in harboring Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Stephen Curry’s years coming to an end, a blockbuster trade can’t be ruled out in the Bay. “We know that Joe Lacob has had dreams of Giannis coming the Warriors’ way for a very long time. Again, unlikely, but Khris Middleton is gonna be a free agent next summer… I think Giannis is worth monitoring” he said.

Furthermore, the Miami Heat have lingered in the picture for the past few seasons. Austin Rivers did get it right. Doc and the Bucks have “work cut out for them”. But this season, they will be a lot more hopeful with their “minor” yet effective additions.

The most vital season for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks

Go across the board and most of the contending teams in the East have embellished their roster with marvelous additions. Philly has Paul George, the Knicks have reinforced themselves and the Celtics remain a perennial threat. Amid such ground-shaking moves, the Bucks front office roped in three veteran minimum players.

Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright will hold major significance if the Bucks are to succeed. Despite having two emphatic shot blockers, Milwaukee’s defense faltered last season. Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton aren’t renowned for being stoppers. Buckets came cheap for rivals. Their new additions could ensure tenacity as all of them are capable of intercepting passing lanes and deploying suffocating defense on guards. That’s going to be pivotal for Milwaukee this season.

Additionally, with time, players learn to play with one another. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are legitimate superstars. Their synergy is going to look much more fluent, especially with an offensive-minded coach like Doc Rivers dissecting tactics. The franchise will also pray for everyone to stay healthy. Middleton is a critical component that adds a deeper layer to the Bucks’ offense. If he and Lopez can sustain their health, the Deers might become the hunters.

But many hypotheticals need to go their way. The fate of the Bucks will most likely depend on the outcome of this season. If they can’t remain competitive, Antetokounmpo might as well begin scampering for a new home. Do you think the Bucks have enough firepower to win a championship this season? Let us know in the comments below.