Shams: Antetokounmpo gives the Bucks a chance to rebuild the championship lineup

According to famous reporter Shams, as the NBA free agent market is about to begin, the offseason plans for the two-time MVP are gradually becoming clear. He hopes to give the Bucks a chance to build a roster around it and return to the championship ranks. In the past three seasons, the Bucks have not broken through the first round of the playoffs. Since winning the championship in 2021, their only playoff series victory was the first round of the 2022 victory, and they suffered repeated injuries during this period.

Due to limited assets and the need to deal with Lillard's long-term absence, the Bucks' lineup upgrade faces major challenges. Still, Antetokounmpo is expected to make a clear decision later this summer on whether to stay in Milwaukee or explore other options.

Shams said on the show: "Antetokounmpo has been in Milwaukee for 12 years. I reported during the draft joint trial and lottery week that he is open to exploring better adaptation opportunities outside of Milwaukee. This is his ongoing due diligence process, and everyone around him is pushing together. But then again, he has been there for 12 years, so he wants to see what the Bucks can do in the draft, what the free market can do, how to improve the team, which makes sense."

The Greek monster has made it clear: he is eager to compete for his second NBA championship. The Bucks are currently facing key lineup decisions, including the stay and departure of key free agents such as Portis, Brooke Lopez and Kevin Porter Jr.

Shams explained: "He will remain open-minded. I don't think his future will depend on this week - free agent week. It will be a process: you'll see how this team moves in July, and maybe it will continue to observe throughout July, and eventually he will evaluate the Bucks' squad construction and the layout of other teams in the league before making a decision."

Antetokounmpo's existing contract with the Bucks has two seasons left, which gives the team more chips in possible deals and is more proactive than waiting until the 2026 trade deadline or offseason to move.

Shams added: "The Bucks don't have enough bargaining chips because they bet on the championship many times, but the team's determination is worthy of recognition. As for the loyalty factor - listen, if you choose to stay this offseason, Antetokounmpo may spend the rest of his career with the Bucks; if he can withstand the status quo, he will choose to stay."