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Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif
The summer of 2025 promises to be decisive for Milwaukee, which will have to make some huge decisions about its roster. And it would appear that they’ve already made up their minds about Damian Lillard… or rather, that they’ve finally had to change their minds.
The Bucks have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs three times in a row, this time by the Pacers. For a franchise like the Bucks, with its sights set on the title, this is obviously unsatisfactory… Crowned champions in 2021, the Bucks have failed to return to the top of the Eastern Conference since, or even make it out of the second round.
But this latest disappointment is likely to precede some major changes in the off-season. Brook Lopez appears to be on his way out after seven years of loyal service, but more importantly, Giannis Antetokounmpo could also be packing his bags as transfer rumors swirl around the superstar. The Greek wants to win another title, and it is not sure whether that’s possible in Wisconsin.
Damian Lillard was to be traded before his serious injury
On the other hand, there’s little doubt about Damian Lillard’s situation. The point guard is expected to remain with the Bucks in 2025-26, as he recovers from his ruptured Achilles tendon. A nasty injury that has completely altered the franchise’s strategy with regard to him, as revealed by The Athletic :
Had Lillard remained healthy, and had the Bucks still fallen in the first round, league sources say there would have been discussions about whether Lillard wanted to remain in Milwaukee. The relationship between Antetokounmpo and Lillard is strong, as is the respect level, but the imperfections of their on-court pairing remained in their second season together.
And with the group’s collective limitations growing more evident by the month, a conversation was looming about whether Lillard and the Bucks might be better off parting ways.
It’s true that if only from a financial point of view, not to mention the lack of sporting results, the departure of No. 0 ($112 million over two years) could have done Milwaukee some good at a time when the franchise’s finances are not in the green.
Instead, however, they find themselves practically forced to keep the star. No one will be willing to take on his exorbitant salary when he’s also expected to miss the entire upcoming season. Could this precipitate the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo in order to save money? One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a hectic summer.
