Giannis, Bucks Reportedly Set to Discuss Star's Future amid NBA Trade Rumors

The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo expect to meet after the team's playoff elimination "to discuss both his future and the future plans for the team," according to ESPN's Shams Charania (h/t ESPN's Jamal Collier.)

Collier notes that this is an annual meeting, but one that "carries a different tone" after the Bucks' Game 5 elimination by the Indiana Pacers.

Antetokounmpo put up 30 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists on Tuesday night, but was unable to carry a Bucks team missing an injured Damian Lillard to a season-extending victory.

The Bucks have been eliminated from the first round in three straight seasons, including twice to the Pacers.

According to Collier, "Multiple sources have indicated to ESPN throughout the season that Antetokounmpo remains happy in Milwaukee, that he deeply respects Lillard and was pleased with the progress they made as a duo this season."

Lillard's injury status calls into question when Antetokounmpo can expect to play with his star teammate again— and when this team can expect to contend for its first deep playoff run since the franchise's 2021 title win.

In Game 4, Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles. It takes NBA players an average of 10 months to recover from similar injuries, per ESPN's Stephania Bell.

That puts Lillard's availability for the 2025-26 season in jeopardy, and that's the final campaign during which he is locked in with Milwaukee. Lillard currently holds a player option for the 2026-27.

Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo has two more years under contract with the Bucks before he could potentially opt out of his own 2027-28 player option.

Antetokounmpo will be heading into his age-33 season by the time his current contract expires. He has said repeatedly, and as recently as just before the Bucks' five-game playoff run, that his priority is to win a second championship.

Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers after 11 seasons in part because he wants to contend for a title.

Bucks fans will now wait to see if the team's uncertain future leads to a similar push from Antetokounmpo.