The tense situation of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks has become a negative cloud looming over the team, according to his teammate. A recent interview with Run it Back from Bobby Portis confirmed that things have been dark for the team trying to figure out if their franchise players will return next season. Drama between the player and front office over his return this season from injury has made it even worse.
Portis shared the following about how he feels as a teammate of Giannis in this situation:
“I know they’ll try to revamp the roster and put new guys around him, sign new guys. I know the owners come up with all types of strategic ways to improve the roster each and every year. I know there will be some type of splash or trade to improve the roster.
Ultimately, it’ll come down to Giannis and if he really wants to be here or not. He has to make that decision sooner than later… there’s dark clouds always around.”
Portis made it clear that everything will be up to Antetokounmpo and if he believes in the team. Milwaukee has made bold moves multiple times over the past few seasons to appease Giannis, but they’ve been unable to truly contend for a title in years.
Why Giannis Confusion Has Become A Dark Cloud
The Bucks have survived Antetokounmpo’s unhappiness in the past by acquiring names like Damian Lillard, Kyle Kuzma, and Myles Turner to improve the roster. However, they are running out of assets with multiple draft picks still owed to other teams.
Milwaukee can try to trade a distant draft pick and one of their younger role players to get another star. However, the pickings would be slim with someone like Ja Morant as the best-case scenario. The Bucks will only be able to acquire an unhappy star with low trade value unless they can be very creative.
Giannis has gone back and forth between publicly declaring his loyalty to Milwaukee and his desire to win above everything else. The Bucks co-owners recently confirmed they’ll trade Antetokounmpo if he doesn’t extend his deal this offseason to give us a definitive answer to this drama once and for all.
Can Milwaukee Rebuild After Losing Giannis
The trade for the Bucks will be among the most important for any NBA team over the past few years. Limited draft picks mean they are not in control of their own future and will have to aim for a proven young talent they can develop.
Names like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Amen Thompson could be offered as a young piece to rebuild a new roster around. Milwaukee will look to get one new face of the franchise and multiple draft picks in exchange for the franchise great.
A horrible ending to the season will likely see Giannis refusing to sign an extension and finally opting for a trade. The Bucks have little chance to win any time soon unless they trade Antetokounmpo for the right pieces to build their future around.
Bucks Teammate Reveals “Dark Clouds” Following Giannis Drama