The Milwaukee Bucks’ Struggle Without Their Superstar
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a precarious position this season, posting a mediocre 9-8 record despite having one of the NBA’s greatest talents on their roster. When two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and on the court, the team looks respectable. However, without their Greek superstar, the Bucks have faltered dramatically, winning just two games out of ten during his absence. Perhaps nothing illustrates their vulnerability more clearly than their recent humiliating 127-82 loss to the struggling Brooklyn Nets, a defeat so comprehensive that it has sparked speculation about how much more losing Antetokounmpo will tolerate before potentially requesting a trade.
Antetokounmpo’s absence due to a calf strain since December 3rd—expected to sideline him for up to three more weeks—has exposed the team’s fragility. Before this injury, which followed an earlier groin strain, the nine-time All-Star was performing at an elite level, averaging 28.9 points on exceptional shooting splits (.639/.435/.635), along with 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. His dominant presence on both ends of the court has proven irreplaceable, with the team’s 2-8 record without him painting a stark picture of their dependence on his talents. As the losses mount during his recovery, questions intensify about whether the 2021 Finals MVP might eventually seek greener pastures with a more competitive organization.
Anticipating potential dissatisfaction from their franchise cornerstone, Bucks general manager Jon Horst made several bold moves in the offseason to strengthen the roster. His most dramatic decision involved stretching and waiving injured All-Star point guard Damian Lillard’s massive $112.6 million contract to create cap space for signing center Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million deal. Horst also added bench depth with guard Cole Anthony and managed to re-sign key young players to team-friendly contracts. Despite these efforts, the team has struggled without the perimeter defense and backcourt scoring that characterized Antetokounmpo’s most successful seasons in Milwaukee.
According to reporting from Eric Nehm of The Athletic, the Bucks’ front office has now signaled to other teams their desire to acquire more immediate help, seemingly in a desperate bid to keep Antetokounmpo satisfied. The recent loss of backup small forward Taurean Prince to neck surgery has exacerbated their need for wing depth. Former two-time All-Star shooting guard Zach LaVine, currently with the Sacramento Kings, has emerged as a potential target. While LaVine wouldn’t address the team’s defensive shortcomings, he would provide much-needed scoring versatility and creation skills to complement Antetokounmpo when he returns.
The Bucks’ trade options remain limited, however, with Horst currently able to offer just one first-round draft selection before the February 5th trade deadline. The situation improves slightly on the night of the 2026 NBA Draft, when up to three first-round picks could potentially be packaged in a deal—if Antetokounmpo hasn’t already lost patience by then. Beyond draft capital, Milwaukee could consider moving Turner or Bobby Portis Jr., both on substantial contracts. The team would also likely love to offload forward Kyle Kuzma’s expensive deal, though doing so would require attaching promising young talent and draft assets to make such a move palatable to potential trade partners.
As the Bucks navigate this challenging period without their superstar, the organization faces mounting pressure to improve the roster around Antetokounmpo or risk losing him. At 11-16 overall, Milwaukee finds itself at a crossroads—either find a way to become competitive again quickly or potentially watch their franchise cornerstone follow the path of many NBA superstars before him by seeking a championship elsewhere. For a small-market team that tasted championship glory just three seasons ago, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they attempt to salvage their season and, more importantly, their future with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
