Above all else, the biggest storyline in the NBA heading into the offseason will be what happens with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Will he stay? Will he get traded? Everyone is itching to get the answer, especially after the team and Giannis are reportedly at odds over whether the forward should sit out the rest of the season.
Though most people have already penciled it in that he will ask for a trade, that is far from set in stone. NBA insider Chris Haynes detailed the situation on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“If the Milwaukee Bucks can make a compelling case and basically convince him that they have the tools, the resources, and can pull off a few moves that will place them in deep consideration to be a championship-contending team, I think Giannis can be convinced.”
Bucks will, as always, do whatever to convince Giannis to stay
This isn't really an update. It's the way the Milwaukee Bucks have been operating for quite some time. Over the last handful of seasons, the Bucks have pulled off countless major moves to strengthen their title odds. However, what's different this time is that they are limited on resources. Trades for players like Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard have left the team's asset cabinet running dry.
Not all hope is lost, but the Bucks will have their work cut out for them to continue this partnership.
There is a pathway to getting back into title contention next season. As long as Giannis is still in town, there will always be hope. However, the Milwaukee Bucks cannot rely on him alone. They don't have to tear down the roster entirely, but General Manager Jon Horst will be put to the test to upgrade several weak points holding this group back.
How can the Bucks convince Giannis? By being aggressive
First and foremost, seeking a new head coach should be priority No. 1. Doc Rivers isn't solely at fault for the Bucks' issues this season, but he's undoubtedly played a part. His two and a half seasons with the team have been a flat-out disaster. In the summer, the Bucks need to cast a wide net, nail a coach, and actually give them an opportunity. They cannot go through another coaching situation like this.
Upgrading the roster will also be crucial. Luckily for them, the Milwaukee Bucks will have up to three first round picks to trade this summer, including a selection in this upcoming draft that could be very high. That, along with tradeable contracts in Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma, could help the Bucks net an impact player or two.
There are also a handful of players worth building around. Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. look like they can be the backcourt of the future. Ousmane Dieng has all the potential in the world. Even Pete Nance looks like a solid rotational player. If the Milwaukee Bucks keep the pick, adding someone in the top 10 of this loaded draft could make a world of difference for this team.
Bucks fans shouldn't give up hope just yet. It all comes down to Jon Horst and ownership, as it has for the past several years.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.