Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants Another Ring — Will It Be in Milwaukee?

Now that the Bucks’ season is over, the real drama begins.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to meet with team management soon to discuss his future and the direction of the franchise, according to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, who cites sources relayed by colleague Shams Charania.

While these postseason sit-downs have become routine over the years, this one carries significantly more weight. The Bucks are at a crossroads — and so is their two-time MVP.

Antetokounmpo remains under contract through at least the 2026–27 season and has consistently voiced loyalty to Milwaukee, signing long-term extensions in both 2020 and 2023. But this summer, for perhaps the first time since his rise to superstardom, the question isn’t if he’ll stay — it’s whether he should.

The Bucks face an uncertain future after another early playoff exit, made worse by the loss of Damian Lillard to a torn left Achilles in Game 4. Lillard’s injury is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of next season, while his $54.1 million salary will remain on the books.

With limited draft assets and little cap flexibility, Milwaukee’s ability to retool is severely constrained.

Giannis made it clear on his brother Thanasis’ podcast earlier this month that winning a second championship is a personal mission. “If I am not able to help my team win a second ring, I’m letting down myself,” he said.

That goal feels more distant now than ever. The Bucks collapsed late in Game 5, falling in overtime to end the series, despite Antetokounmpo putting up monster numbers: 33.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game on 62% shooting. It marked the first time in three years he entered the playoffs healthy, and it still wasn’t enough.

Antetokounmpo took the blame postgame, but his frustration was obvious. He’s given everything to the city of Milwaukee. Whether that continues could depend on what GM Jon Horst and company can realistically promise going forward.

Meanwhile, head coach Doc Rivers received public support from Antetokounmpo after the loss. Rivers, who took over midseason, finished the year with a 65–53 record but now has back-to-back first-round exits with the team. He acknowledged the year didn’t go as planned but pointed to the growth of players like A.J. Green, Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims, Kevin Porter Jr., and Kyle Kuzma as silver linings.

“I would love this team full,” Rivers said. “But that wasn’t in the cards this year.”

That goes for next year too — and possibly for the foreseeable future.

Will Giannis be around to find out?