Brian Windhorst Says NBA Offseason Can 'Hinge' on Giannis' Future After Lillard Injury

The Milwaukee Bucks are still alive in the NBA Playoffs, but with Damian Lillard out for the season with a torn Achilles, much of the attention is now shifting towards what will be a pivotal offseason.

One of the biggest storylines this offseason will be Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said that whatever the star decides to do will affect not only the Bucks but the entire NBA.

"Does Giannis indicate he wants to stay put and remain a Buck, or does Giannis indicate he might want to look around," Windhorst said on NBA Today (6:30 mark). "If the answer is B, the entire NBA offseason will hinge on it. I don't even think any team can make a big move until they figure out what Giannis might prefer."

Antetokounmpo is under contract through the 2026-27 season with a player option ahead of the 2027-28 season, but him requesting a trade seems like a real possibility with how things have gone down in Milwaukee over the past few years.

Antetokounmpo is still just 30 years old and in the prime of his career. If he were to request a trade, it's fair to assume nearly every team in the league would put in an offer.

Antetokounmpo has been with the Bucks his entire career, reviving the organization and leading them to a championship in 2021. Despite his past success, Milwaukee has struggled in the years since and is now on the brink of elimination in the first round.

With the possibility of Lillard missing the entirety of the 2025-26 season, Antetokounmpo asking out and joining a team ready to compete could be the best move for him this offseason.

Trading Antetokounmpo could also be the best option for the Bucks, even if it means parting with one of the best players in franchise history. Milwaukee is ill-prepared for a future without Antetokounmpo, and it could get a jump start on a rebuild by picking up some assets through a trade.