Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently expected to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks as they head into the 2025–26 NBA season, according to league sources.
However, that projection is far from set in stone. The superstar’s long-term future with the franchise may hinge on how the front office navigates a pivotal offseason, particularly in terms of roster adjustments and broader organizational strategy.
General Manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers have already outlined a blueprint to ownership centered around keeping the core of the team intact, with Antetokounmpo as the centerpiece.
The franchise maintains optimism that, with the right pieces in place, they can remain firmly in the mix among the top six contenders in the Eastern Conference.
That confidence is largely tied to the potential return of co-star Damian Lillard, who is expected to be back at full strength in time for the postseason.
Still, Milwaukee faces several high-stakes financial decisions that will shape the trajectory of the team.
Chief among them is the looming free agency of veteran center Brook Lopez and the uncertain status of Bobby Portis, who holds a $13.4 million player option for next season.
The outcome of those situations will have direct implications on the Bucks’ salary cap flexibility and competitive edge.
Despite having already paid over $200 million in luxury tax penalties in recent years, sources say the Bucks are prepared to dip into the tax again to stay competitive.
However, the team is also strategizing to stay below the $196 million first apron threshold.
Doing so would preserve access to a larger portion of the $14 million midlevel exception, a critical tool for adding rotational depth without sacrificing financial agility.
In the meantime, the Bucks are actively surveying the point guard market to secure short-term support while Lillard recovers.
Names that have surfaced as potential targets include Dennis Schroder, Tyus Jones, and Malcolm Brogdon – all of whom could provide stability in the backcourt.
Ultimately, the decisions made this offseason, from managing contracts and tax implications to making key acquisitions, will send a strong message about the Bucks’ commitment to championship contention.
And that, in turn, may influence whether Giannis sees Milwaukee as the place to continue his legacy in the years ahead.
Bucks Plan To Stay In Tax Under 2nd Apron To Keep Core Intact Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo https://t.co/Gkt9wGXllU
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 13, 2025
