Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee in doubt after third straight playoff exit - Bobby Portis give his two cents

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021, delivering an unforgettable Finals MVP performance. That victory was supposed to mark the beginning of a dominant era for the franchise. Instead, the Bucks have struggled to replicate that success, suffering three consecutive first-round playoff exits.

Despite Giannis’s individual brilliance, accounting for 30% of Milwaukee’s points and 35% of their rebounds this postseason, the team has failed to provide him with adequate support. Injuries, coaching changes, and inconsistent performances have plagued the Bucks, leading to growing speculation that Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded this offseason.

Bobby Portis remains confident Giannis will stay

Teammate Bobby Portis, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020 and played a key role in their championship run, doesn’t believe Giannis is going anywhere. Portis, a reliable rotation player and two-time Sixth Man of the Year finalist, insists that Giannis Antetokounmpo is deeply loyal to Milwaukee.

"I just think that Giannis bleeds green, though," Portis said. "I think he bleeds green. I think he bleeds loyalty. I think he bleeds, wanting that Tim Duncan, Kobe-esque career. Steph Curry-type career where they play with one franchise."

"Giannis bleeds green."

Bobby Portis believes Giannis wants a one-team career like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Steph Curry 👀

But, Bobby notes that the Bucks' window to win more championships will be a huge factor this offseason...@BPortistime | @MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/RgIoTX9AC2

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 9, 2025

Portis’s confidence stems from Giannis’s desire to emulate legends like Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and Curry, who spent their entire careers with one team. However, Portis himself has a player option for next season, meaning he could leave if Giannis departs.

The challenge of building a contender around Giannis

Bobby Portis’s comparison to Duncan, Kobe, and Curry comes with an important caveat: those players stayed because their teams consistently surrounded them with elite talent. Kobe had Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom after Shaquille O’Neal left. Duncan played alongside Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard. Curry’s Warriors added Kevin Durant and later Chris Paul to maintain their dominance.

The Milwaukee Bucks made a big move by acquiring Damian Lillard , but injuries have limited his impact. A torn Achilles during the Pacers series likely signals the end of his brief tenure in Milwaukee. Without another reliable star, the Bucks’ front office faces mounting pressure to either rebuild or make another major trade.

Potential landing spots for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he leaves

If Giannis Antetokounmpo does request a trade, several teams could emerge as frontrunners. Young, talented squads like the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic might see him as the missing piece to elevate their playoff aspirations. Big-market teams such as the Lakers, Knicks, or Heat could also make aggressive offers.

Also read: Golden State Warriors in Trouble: Stephen Curry Sidelined Until Game 6—If They Make It That Far

For now, the situation remains uncertain. While Portis believes Giannis will stay, the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent struggles and lack of supporting cast could force a franchise-altering decision. Milwaukee’s next moves will determine whether Giannis Antetokounmpo’s legacy remains tied to the Bucks or if he seeks a fresh start elsewhere.