As the Milwaukee Bucks drastically overhaul their roster in hopes of building an NBA title contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided insight into the superstar forward’s mindset.
Milwaukee sent shockwaves across the NBA world on Tuesday by waiving Antetokounmpo’s injured co-star, Damian Lillard (Achilles), and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract. The franchise’s stunning decision paved the way for it to land free agent center Myles Turner via a four-year, $107 million agreement. The bold move comes as the 10-year veteran is fresh off his first NBA Finals appearance with the Indiana Pacers.
While Turner, a rim-protecting stretch five, fortifies the Bucks’ frontcourt and should be an ideal fit alongside Antetokounmpo, their backcourt has room for improvement. Streaky combo guard Kevin Porter Jr. is currently projected to be their lead ball handler, with no proven point guard to back him up. Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo is reportedly waiting to see his squad’s final roster before passing judgment.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Taking Patient Approach to Assessing Bucks’ Offseason
During a Tuesday appearance on “NBA Today,” Charania outlined Antetokounmpo’s reaction to Milwaukee’s busy start to the offseason. According to the league insider, the two-time MVP remains committed to giving the organization a chance to prove itself over the summer before considering a trade request.
“I’m told that Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue to evaluate not just what happened today but what’s happening all offseason in Milwaukee,” Charania said.
“He took notice of this move, no doubt. But sources tell me that it’s more than just tonight. And at the end of the offseason, my understanding is Giannis Antetokounmpo will ask himself, he’ll look himself in the mirror, look around him, and say, ‘Can I win a championship with this team as currently constructed?’ And the answer to that question faces not only him but the Bucks.”
Shams: “Giannis will continue to evaluate not just what happened today, but what’s happening all offseason in Milwaukee. Sources tell me that it’s more than just tonight. At the end of the offseason, my understanding is Giannis will ask himself…can I win a championship?” pic.twitter.com/dOnpZT8Oyq
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 2, 2025
Milwaukee, coming off a fifth-place Eastern Conference finish (48-34) and first-round playoff exit, still appears some distance away from contending with its new-look roster. Apart from adding Turner, the team agreed to a two-year deal with veteran wing Gary Harris on Tuesday. However, Harris, who just wrapped up arguably a career-worst season with the Orlando Magic, isn’t expected to be a high-impact contributor.
Given Antetokounmpo’s reported desire to evaluate the Bucks’ offseason from a holistic perspective, more moves could be on the horizon. With limited trade assets at his disposal, Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst may have to continue getting creative to appease his franchise player.
