It’s no secret that the Milwaukee Bucks have circumscribed options to improve their lineup around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The point is that a better choice would be to keep your trade assets rather than cash them in, as the NBA’s latest analysis found.
Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks is uncertain submit to analysis after another playoff exit a few months ago. Despite producing remarkable stats, including averaging 30.4 points and 11.5 rebounds in 2023-24, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round for the second time in three years, this time to the Indiana Pacers.
The addition of Lillard was expected to strengthen the team, but Lillard’s performance, with 24.3 points per game and destitute three-point shooting, raised concerns about team chemistry. Antetokounmpo’s frustration is clear, especially as he ponders the direction of the franchise as free agency approaches.
If the Bucks don’t significantly strengthen their roster, Antetokounmpo could start considering other options, potentially considering a trade or free agency after the 2024-25 season. Teams like the Golden State Warriors could prove to be viable destinations if he decides to look for a change. The pressure is mounting on the Bucks front to act decisively as retaining one of the league’s top talents is crucial not only to the team’s future, but also to the balance of power in the NBA.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the Bucks respond to this pivotal moment. The upcoming offseason could be crucial in shaping the team’s trajectory and ensuring Antetokounmpo remains committed to Milwaukee. Without significant improvement, the Bucks risk losing their star player, which could have lasting consequences for the franchise and the league as a whole.
NBA analysis gives reason why the Milwaukee Bucks should keep their top trade assets
At the moment, Antetokounmpo is currently the best player of the Bucks and the club’s authorities should do everything to keep him in Milwaukee. According to the NBA analysis by Greg Swartz for Bleacher Reportthe franchise should also keep other players instead of trading them.
Top Trading Assets: F Bobby Portis, SG AJ Johnson, 2031 first round pick
The Milwaukee Bucks won’t make many teams even pick up the phone in trade negotiations because the asset collection here is pretty empty.
Portis should be retained because he provides valuable insurance in the event that Brook Lopez (36) or Giannis Antetokounmpo (missed the entire postseason) are sidelined due to injury. Portis averaged 16.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and shot 46.5 percent from three in 12 games in which he played 30 or more minutes last season.
Johnson, the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 draft, is still extremely raw. He could be a affordable development project for the Bucks over the next few years, but the franchise should trade him if it means bringing in a veteran for the rotation.
By the time of the 2031 draft, Antetokounmpo will be 36 years aged and Damian Lillard will likely retire at 40 years aged. It’s safe and sound to say Milwaukee should keep this pick.
The Bucks enter the 2024-25 season with high hopes after a disappointing last year in which they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. With the combination of Lillard and Antetokounmpo and Rivers, the team is looking to improve its performance.
Despite the uncertainty, projected record 52-30 suggests the Bucks can be a sturdy contender if they find their rhythm. Of course, there’s a better chance of making this record a reality if the team maintains its best selling assets.
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