The Milwaukee Bucks completed a series of desperate moves to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in town this offseason, and it appears as though they worked — at least for now.
The Bucks waived and stretched the remaining $113 million on Damian Lillard’s contract over the next five seasons following his torn Achilles in the team’s third consecutive first-round playoff exit. By waiving Lillard, the Bucks created enough cap space to sign former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million deal.
Additionally, Milwaukee signed Cole Anthony and Gary Harris in free agency, while also re-signing several key contributors from last season like Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins and Taurean Prince. Still, if the Bucks are unable to produce results, trade speculation will almost certainly continue to swirl around Antetokounmpo.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors headline Bucks’ future outlook
Warriors eyeing Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks could have opted for a rebuild following their recent playoff struggles, though they have gone all-in on keeping Antetokounmpo around. If that move doesn’t pan out, however, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly eyeing the Bucks’ franchise cornerstone, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are obviously the Warriors’ two dream targets, yet other names have been reported as well,” he wrote.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t requested a trade and appears ready to spend the 2025-26 campaign in Milwaukee. However, if the Bucks’ retooled roster doesn’t live up to his expectations, the nine-time All-Star could force his way out of Milwaukee.
Even if the champion doesn’t request a trade, he has a player option for the 2027-28 season. Coincidentally, this lines up with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green’s free agency.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see Antetokounmpo spend the rest of his Hall of Fame career with the Bucks, though that won’t stop teams like the Warriors from expressing interest.
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