The Milwaukee Bucks lost Game 1 to the Indiana Pacers by 19 points on Saturday. Superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo did all he could, putting up 36 points and 12 rebounds in 38 minutes. However, no one else on the Bucks even scored 20 points.
The Bucks acquired Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards at this year’s NBA trade deadline. The former Los Angeles Lakers forward was supposed to be an upgrade over Khris Middleton, but Kuzma was terrible against the Pacers. He had zero points in 21 minutes.
While Milwaukee still has time to turn things around against Indiana, one NBA analyst believes the series is already over and Antetokounmpo will leave the franchise this summer.
Michael Pina of The Ringer is predicting that Antetokounmpo, the future Hall of Famer with two MVPs and one Finals MVP, will not be with the Bucks next season.
“Giannis is phenomenal, but there’s just so little juice around him,” Pina wrote. “There are only three teammates left from that 2021 title squad, and the Bucks have zero first-round picks in this year’s draft. The Bucks could run it back sans Brook Lopez next year, play Giannis more at the 5, reinvent their style of play, and hope Damian Lillard can stay healthy for a playoff run.
“But even if they have a lower payroll and some more flexibility heading into this summer, there are still so few ways for general manager Jon Horst to give the Bucks a balanced roster that can compete at the highest level on both ends.”
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Milwaukee signed Antetokounmpo to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns. However, Milwaukee has struggled in the postseason since then.
The Bucks lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs and the Pacers in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career with the Bucks. He has said several times he wants to retire in Milwaukee. However, if the Bucks lose to the Pacers again, could Antetokounmpo ask out?
Only time will tell.
