The Milwaukee Bucks missed their season goals after an early playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers in just five games. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive season. He became the league’s second-best scorer, averaging 30.4 points per game. During the playoffs, he led the offense alone after Damian Lillard suffered a tough injury. After another year without a championship, a former Celtics player weighs in on what might push Giannis to leave Milwaukee.
“I think this is the reason why he wants to get out of there is because of Dame’s (Damian Lillard) injury. I don’t think that if Dame didn’t get hurt, and they made a deep playoff run, and they competed without him getting hurt – Dame is not going to play next season,” stated Eddie House on the ‘Straight Game Podcast’.
With Damian Lillard’s injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo could lead the Bucks’ offense alone again the 2025-26 NBA season. Recent results show this is not enough. The duo of Lillard and Antetokounmpo was the main reason behind the team’s strong competitiveness. Considering this, the Bucks may need to sign another top offensive player to pair with their Greek star. Doing so could help convince him to stay.
Eric Nehm and Sam Amick of The Athletic report that the Bucks considered parting ways with Lillard if he stayed healthy. Now, with his injury, the team plans to keep him. This limits their options to add a big-name player. For this reason, many NBA experts predict Giannis Antetokounmpo will eventually leave the Bucks. As they could use him to rebuild the roster, just in case he request a trade.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on October 27, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Former four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins reveals Giannis Antetokounmpo’s perfect landing on a potential Bucks’ departure
Giannis Antetokounmpo is in one of the best stretches of his professional career. At 30 years old, he continues to dominate. The Greek star matched the second-highest scoring average since entering the NBA. He even surpassed the numbers from his two consecutive MVP seasons. However, he did not win the award this time. He also has not captured another championship since leading the Bucks in 2021.
see also
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo names the greatest NBA shooters of all time
Milwaukee’s repeated playoff failures over the past four years have raised concerns. As a result, Giannis could consider leaving the franchise. He may seek a team better positioned to compete for the championship. However, he would love to arrive to a franchise with an offensive partner, reported Shams Charania.
In response, former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins offered his take. He believes the Miami Heat would be the best destination for the Greek forward. “It’s an organization that’s proven they know how to build around a superstar. It’d definitely put a better light on Pat Riley with how it went with Jimmy Butler to get another superstar like Giannis, so it makes sense…He’s already said he wants to play in a tax-free state. There are other ones.“
