Overview

• ESPN placed Giannis Antetokounmpo fourth in its preseason player rankings, citing sustained MVP-level impact and improved midrange efficiency.
• He returns for a 13th season in Milwaukee after averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists and earning a ninth straight All-NBA nod last year.
• Recent coverage notes repeated early postseason ousters have intensified questions about the Bucks’ roster trajectory.
• Speculation continues without signs of active negotiations, including a Bleacher Report proposal reported by Newsweek that would send him to the Spurs for Devin Vassell, rookies Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, and multiple first-round picks.
• Milwaukee is banking on internal growth with Kevin Porter Jr. in an expanded role after a two-year, $11 million extension and the addition of Myles Turner, while Antetokounmpo remains under a three-year, $186 million deal with a 2027-28 player option.