The Athletic's Eric Nehm noted that if Antetokounmpo stays and takes the gap-year approach, the Bucks' flexibility could be buoyed by Damian Lillard ( $58.5 million player option) and Kyle Kuzma ( $20.4 million) potentially being attractive trade candidates entering the final season of their contracts.

After the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, trade rumors began to surface. Most of the trade talk involves Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Many believe he will request a trade after being ousted in the opening round of the postseason for a third year in a row.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to compete for championships, and that probably won't happen next season in Milwaukee. Still, the Bucks could use the gap year with Giannis to reload for the future. That might be the only pitch that the Bucks have for their superstar.