The 2024–25 Milwaukee Bucks season was supposed to be a redemption arc. After securing a direct playoff spot without touching the play-in tournament, many fans believed the road to the NBA Finals was going to be smooth. But the harsh reality hit fast and hard. The Bucks were bested by the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the playoffs on Saturday, April 19, with a humiliating 117-98 loss.
Hope lingered for a bounce-back performance, but it was crushed again on Tuesday, April 22, when the Pacers outplayed them again, 123-115. Then came the bombshell, which was a move that no one saw coming.
Fans Are Not Happy With the Bucks’ Front Office Decision
Amid a playoff collapse, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Bucks have extended the contract of general manager Jon Horst in a multi-year deal. Horst, a one-time Executive of the Year and key architect of the 2021 championship roster, reached an agreement through his agent Brian Elfus just before his contract expired.
Instead of inspiring hope, the news has sparked an uproar across the fanbase. While NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently assured listeners on “The Hoops Collective” that Giannis Antetokounmpo remains deeply committed to the Bucks’ long-term future, there’s another side to the story.
Antetokounmpo has publicly said that one ring is not enough for him. If the front office continues making questionable moves and the team keeps falling short, the two-time MVP could very well walk — and with him, an army of loyal fans.
“If Giannis leaves, I am leaving with him. This is a joke of a franchise,” said one user.
If Giannis leaves, I am leaving with him. This is a joke of a franchise
— Kaden Olsen (@KadenOlsen8) April 24, 2025
Remember the four-team deal that sent veteran Khris Middleton, 2024 rookie AJ Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick swap to Washington in exchange for Kyle Kuzma? Hopes were high, but the return has been painfully underwhelming.
Kuzma disappeared when the team needed him most, scoring zero points in Game 1 and only 12 in Game 2 of the playoffs. As a trade that cost the franchise young talent and future capital, this result stings.
“Traded a young promising rookie for this btw,” wrote one user with a picture of Kuzma’s embarrassing stats from Game 1, talking about moving Johnson to Washington.
Traded a young promising rookie for this btw😭 pic.twitter.com/DF6mMr89kf
— Lane 😶🌫️ (@CookedByLane) April 24, 2025
The Bucks are currently down 2-0 to the Pacers, showing no real answers on either end of the floor. And instead of accountability or change, the front office has doubled down on the same leadership that led them here. Timing is everything, and to most fans, this move feels like a tone-deaf misstep.
“Locking up job security before an embarrassing playoff exit and uncomfortable offseason [greater than symbol],” wrote one user.
Locking up job security before an embarrassing playoff exit and uncomfortable offseason >
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) April 24, 2025
In recent weeks, we’ve seen NBA front offices take swift action when teams fall short of expectations. Just look at the Phoenix Suns — they didn’t hesitate to part ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing 36–46 season. Bucks fans were hoping for similar accountability. Instead, they were stunned to see the opposite happen.
“Bucks fans were waiting for a firing, not an extension,” wrote one fan.
Bucks fans were waiting for a firing not an extension😭
— PayneHoops (@CookedByPayne) April 24, 2025
As the Bucks stare down an uncomfortable playoff series and the real threat of losing Antetokounmpo in the future, fans aren’t just angry but heartbroken. What was once a championship-caliber organization is now facing an identity crisis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Locked In for Game 3 Now
Antetokounmpo was the unstoppable force that powered the Bucks to their 2021 NBA championship. Now in the current playoffs, Antetokounmpo finds himself once again with a golden opportunity, but this time, he’s even more determined not to let it slip away.
Following Game 2 of the playoffs, Antetokounmpo didn’t mince words during the post-game interview. He made it clear: he’s fully locked in on winning.
“My mindset right now is Game 3. I know the f****** deal, man. I just know the deal. I know what I gotta do,” said Antetokounmpo.
And the numbers back it up. Antetokounmpo dropped 36 points in Game 1 and followed it up with 34 in Game 2. If his teammates step up and provide consistent support, this team could be headed for another deep playoff run — and possibly another championship banner.