""I want to win a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks," Antetokounmpo told ESPN's Malika Andrews during All-Star Weekend. "And if that is not on the table, maybe I have to pivot because I really want to win." Headed to the lottery for the first time since 2016, the Bucks will add a valuable 2026 draft pick to their list of tradable resources. Milwaukee can also trade first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 and can swap picks in 2031, 2032 and 2033. Convincing Antetokounmpo to sign an extension in the fall could depend on where June's pick lands and whether the franchise plans to use those picks in a deal."
"Improving via free agency could prove more difficult. Milwaukee has nine free agents this summer, five with player options ( Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims). The Bucks are also projected to be over the cap this offseason, thanks in part to signing center Myles Turner last offseason and owing Damian Lillard $20.2 million per season through 2029-30 after waiving and stretching his contract."
Several franchise-defining decisions will drive the NBA offseason, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo's commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks and how the team uses newly tradable draft assets. Milwaukee will add a 2026 pick and possesses further first-round flexibility in 2031 and 2033 plus multiple swap options, all of which could influence an extension. The Bucks also face roster limits with nine upcoming free agents and cap pressure from Myles Turner and the stretched Damian Lillard contract. The Los Angeles Lakers face major free-agent choices for LeBron James and Austin Reaves, while June's draft, extensions and trade targets will reshape league hierarchies.
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