Bucks Stay Put: Giannis to Remain, Season Rebuild Looms

The Milwaukee Bucks saw the NBA trade deadline pass without moving Giannis Antetokounmpo, celebrating the decision to keep their star player. However, the team faces a significant challenge with a 20-29 record, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference with 32 games remaining in the 2025-26 season. Antetokounmpo is currently rehabbing a right calf strain and is not expected to shut down his season.

The Bucks' lone trade deadline move, acquiring Ousmane Dieng and signing Cam Thomas, did little to improve their on-court performance. With Antetokounmpo out, the team's record is significantly worse, highlighting their dependence on him. Despite this, they remain within striking distance of a play-in spot.

A complex draft strategy emerges due to a 2026 pick swap with the Atlanta Hawks, incentivizing the Bucks to prioritize draft positioning over wins. With several teams ahead in the 'tank race,' Milwaukee's ability to improve its draft pick is uncertain, yet the potential for a higher selection holds value for future trades or acquisitions.

Coach Doc Rivers indicated that getting Antetokounmpo healthy is the immediate priority, with all other decisions to follow. Regardless of the team's strategy for the remainder of the season, a higher draft pick is seen as beneficial for acquiring talent to pair with Antetokounmpo or for rebuilding purposes. Trade talks surrounding Antetokounmpo are expected to resume in the offseason, leaving his long-term future with the Bucks uncertain.