With the Milwaukee Bucks' season over, their path to keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo is led by their 2026 NBA Draft pick and what they decide to do with it.
Projected to land within the top 10 selections, the Bucks need to draft wisely or trade the pick to bring an All-Star in to support their two-time MVP.
What if the Bucks trade their pick?
Giannis' future has been a big talking point not just this season but ever since he stepped into the elite stratosphere of NBA players. The same will continue this offseason, with the Bucks ownership openly stating they will trade their superstar should he not sign a contract extension in October.
The Bucks have the most valuable draft pick they have had in a very long time in a stacked draft class, which puts more value on the pick. For any team they possibly trade with, they know they will be getting a high pick and can use that as they look to rebuild.
To caviate this, we did see the Bucks try this with Damian Lillard, and things didn't work out for a multitude of reasons. Injuries, coaching changes, and roster construction all contributed to a move that looked brilliant and just fell short. Jon Horst has never been afraid to make a big move, and it could well be on the cards once again this summer.
What if the Bucks keep their pick?
Giannis has repeatedly said he wants to win in Milwaukee; this draft class has plenty of players who can aid that desire. Bringing in a young piece that can grow alongside the Greek Freak can stand the Bucks in good stead both now and in the future. One glaring issue with the Bucks in recent years has been their scouting and drafting. If they keep the pick, they absolutely have to nail it.
One big reason for using the pick is that Damian Lillard's $22 million stretched contract is still on the books for the 2026-27 season, limiting flexibility. Turning interest toward drafting a young prospect could be a cheap way to find an impact player for the next several years.
Milwaukee also has a few movable contracts should they prefer to move players first and keep the pick. Again, Horst is no stranger to pulling off striking deals, so there is no telling what he may do.
It will be another offseason of noise, stories, and rumors surrounding Giannis' future with the Bucks. Their 2026 first-round pick is projected to be high and is of value to them and other teams, should they look to trade for a running partner for Giannis. However, this is also a very strong draft class, and there are players that can boost the roster now and moving forward.
It is a huge summer ahead as the team looks to get back into the postseason, and that pick will be a franchise-altering move for a multitude of reasons.