Bucks Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Consider a Trade if Milwaukee Fails With Damian Lillard, Claims Veteran ESPN Journalist

Are the wheels beginning to fall off for the Milwaukee Bucks? They have endured a horrid last few weeks, losing 7 out of their last 10 games. This is less than ideal preparation for the Bucks, who are going to face the Indiana Pacers in the first-round of the 2024 playoffs. Despite their poor end to the regular season, the Bucks can depend upon two of the league’s brightest stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

However, veteran ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst may have provided a worrying update on Giannis’ future. During a recent segment of ESPN’s Get Up, Windhorst stated that Giannis may leave Milwaukee if they are knocked out in the first-round of the playoffs. He said, “If they (Bucks) lose in the first-round, first person you’re worried about is Dame, it’s Giannis… If they go down in the first-round again. I’m not sure where Giannis is going to be.”

Following a disappointing regular season campaign, the pressure is on the Bucks to perform against the Indiana Pacers in the first-round. However, it is going to get only tougher for Milwaukee because Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a calf strain on 9th April. And now, the Bucks have listed him as doubtful for Game 1 of the series against the Pacers.

Prior to Milwaukee’s last regular season game against the Magic, HC Doc Rivers provided an update on Giannis’ injury. He said, “No timeline or anything like that… He’ll be back when he should be back. We’ll find out when that is. I’m hoping [he’ll be back for Game 1 of the playoffs]. I don’t know, I’m just hoping.” Fans of the Bucks would be praying for a quick recovery for Giannis, as they cannot afford to see another postseason slip away due to injuries to key players.

Can Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the Bucks to another NBA title?

In 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks created history by securing their first franchise title since 1971. This championship cemented Giannis’ legacy as one of the greatest Buck ever, joining the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. However, Milwaukee have failed to build upon their 2021 title success. In 2022, they were eliminated from the playoffs in the second round, and in the 2023 playoffs, the Heat ousted them in the first round.

In the 2023 offseason, the Bucks’ hierarchy pulled off a blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard, which instantly made them the favorites for the title. However, things haven’t gone according to the script. While the acquisition of Dame took Milwaukee to another level offensively, it came with the trade-off of a decline in defensive performance. The Bucks were the 12th worst defensive team during the 2023-24 season, with a defensive rating of 115.8.

The Milwaukee Bucks would have to improve significantly defensively if they want to stand a chance at winning the title. With defensive stalwarts like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, many back the Bucks to make that adjustment. However, can they overcome the challenge of the Boston Celtics? Let us know in the comments below!