Amid rising uncertainty about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, the team’s management has attempted significant roster changes to keep their star player satisfied. However, Vernon Maxwell, a prominent figure from the Houston Rockets, doubts these efforts will be enough to retain the two-time MVP.
Bucks’ Recent Playoff Struggles and Roster Moves
Since claiming the NBA title in 2021, the Bucks have struggled to replicate that success. They were eliminated in the second round of the 2021-22 playoffs by the Boston Celtics, followed by three consecutive first-round exits. The latest development involving Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury essentially wrote off the upcoming season for Milwaukee, forcing drastic action to avoid wasting Giannis’ prime years.
To adjust the roster, the Bucks waived Lillard, freeing cap space to bring in Myles Turner. This short-term move was aimed at strengthening the team immediately, though it barely elevates Milwaukee above contenders like the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and even the Orlando Magic.
Calls for Parting Ways from Rockets Legend Vernon Maxwell
The addition of Turner was intended to secure Giannis’ commitment, but Maxwell believes the Bucks should accept that a separation is inevitable. On the All The Smoke podcast, he stated,
“They got to cut the cord on Giannis,”
and added,
“Let this motherf****r go. He don’t want to be there. They’re in a rebuilding situation.”
Maxwell argues the team’s trajectory conflicts with Giannis’ championship aspirations, suggesting the current roster cannot fulfill his ambitions.
Support Cast Dwindling Since Khris Middleton Trade
Maxwell’s view aligns with the historical drop in team quality since the trade of Khris Middleton. Stephen Jackson highlighted this turning point, noting,
“Once they traded [Khris Middleton] away, that’s when things started going downhill,”
and expressed concern over Giannis’ wavering commitment:
“Now Giannis doesn’t know if he really wants to be there.”
Hope for the Bucks Citing Denver Nuggets’ Rebuild
Though the situation appears dire, former player Matt Barnes offers a more optimistic perspective. He references the Denver Nuggets’ successful rebuilding process involving strategic smaller moves to achieve a championship. Barnes explained,
“It’s a similar thing that Denver did. The small pieces to help you get that championship. Denver was able to rebound and rebuild, but Milwaukee hasn’t been able to do that.”
Financial limitations remain a challenge for Milwaukee, with Turner’s $27 million salary and the stretched $22.6 million cap hit from Lillard’s contract putting pressure on roster flexibility. Still, the Bucks are not currently a luxury tax team, leaving room to pursue impactful additions if the right opportunities arise.
Implications for Giannis and the Bucks’ Future
The Bucks face a critical juncture: either find key pieces to build a championship-caliber team around Giannis or prepare for the likelihood of his exit. The clock is ticking, and with renewed questions surrounding the roster’s competitive viability, offseason decisions will heavily influence whether Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future remains in Milwaukee or leads elsewhere. With prominent voices urging Milwaukee to accept the possibility of letting their star go, the coming months are set to define the team’s direction in the NBA landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo 7/0?
A. Giannis Sina Ougko Ugo Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994, and plays professional basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Standing 7 feet tall, Antetokounmpo is known as the “Greek Freak” because he is big, fast, and good at handling the ball.