The NBA fosters an environment where every team has an equitable chance to improve. The teams at the bottom of the standings receive the highest odds for lottery picks, while the top teams can retain their rosters with a financial boost. Despite the Milwaukee Bucks’ rough start to the season, fans may find some comfort in knowing that both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are still under contract. However, what kind of future can they realistically look forward to?

Currently sitting at 1-5, the Bucks’ latest loss featured their tantalizing tandem combining for 75 points, only to fall to a game-winning shot by Donovan Mitchell. Beyond Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the rest of the team managed to score just 38 points. This has sparked trade rumors, with speculation about one of the major players potentially leaving the franchise by the end of the season. Brian Windhorst highlighted the reasons for this in a recent podcast episode.

It’s tolerable to have a dysfunctional present if there is some room for improvement in the future. But in the case of the Bucks, no matter their finish, they have no chance of drafting any beneficial prospect due to their recent dealings. “They have a $75 million tax payment due this year. They don’t control their first-round picks for the next six years. They’ve either traded them away or traded the swap rights,” Windy mentioned on Hoops Collective.

Just to give a run-through, the Bucks don’t have a single draft pick of their own until 2031. It essentially cuts them from welcoming rookies who can fill in the gaps in their roster. Furthermore, harboring the high salaries of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard has them sit in the second apron. Financial restraints limit them from doing anything major with their rosters as they can’t aggregate salaries in trade.

Hence, the only way to make a significant change in their ranks is by offloading either the Greek Freak or Damian Lillard in exchange for multiple impact-makers that support their current dynamics. But with such little space to breathe, would any of them want to stay around? Rather, does it make sense for the organization to spend large sums of money if they don’t?

The Bucks could actually trade Giannis Antetokounmpo?

From a player’s perspective, even though the two-time MVP considers himself a Wisconsin native now, he might be willing to leave if there is no turnaround. Currently in the crux of his prime, the Greek Freak is obsessed with competing, wanting to collect Larry O’Briens. Hence, even though he has the time on his contract, an upsetting campaign could mark the end of the Antetokounmpo era in Milwaukee.

As MacMahon said, “Superstars who are putting up 31, 12, and 6 on 63% shooting and are still very much in their prime typically don’t stick around,”.

However, even while knowing all of this, the 29-year-old said something shocking. “Yes, if we don’t win a championship, they could trade me,” he professed. It sounds ludicrous. But from a business perspective, it also makes sense. Till 2031, with draft picks blocked, the future looks bleak for Milwaukee. And if there is no improvement, sticking to those standards and paying high salaries wouldn’t be rational for the front office.

If the Bucks decide to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, they can expect a significant influx of draft capital and players in return. The same applies to Damian Lillard. Brook Lopez is in the final year of his contract, and Khris Middleton has a player option for next season. If the situation remains unchanged, it may be wise for the Bucks to initiate their rebuilding phase, starting with the retention of their valuable draft picks.

This approach not only secures a path toward becoming a competitive team in the future but also alleviates any dissatisfaction among their players. Alternatively, they could treat next season as a final attempt, with several contracts expiring, giving them the flexibility to add the right pieces alongside Antetokounmpo.

Anyway, you see it, the element of urgency is to remain for as long as the Bucks try to remain competitive in the NBA. As a front office, they might be praying that Doc Rivers and his staff can find the repairs to salvage this season. Do you think they can do it? Let us know your views in the comments below.