Why the Bucks Need to Start a Bidding War For the Two-Time MVP
The Milwaukee Bucks are entering a critical moment in their franchise history, one that could determine whether they remain competitive or fall into a long decline. Reports have emerged that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the team have begun serious conversations about his future, raising concerns about long-term stability and roster direction. With the Bucks showing inconsistency this season and relying heavily on aging veterans, it has become clear that the current roster is no longer built to contend for a championship. Even with Giannis playing at an elite level, the pieces around him are either declining, limited, or not equipped to keep up with the younger, faster contenders emerging across the league. For those reasons, the Bucks should consider placing their two-time MVP on the trade block now, while his value is incredibly high, and begin a bidding war that could reshape their future for the better.
Giannis’s value remains at its absolute peak because he continues to be one of the most dominant two-way forces in basketball. His production, impact, and ability to instantly elevate any franchise make him the type of superstar teams would pay a historic price to acquire. Even though he has played through injuries at times, his on-court results have not dropped enough to diminish his league-wide value. Multiple teams searching for a franchise-changing player would be willing to offer significant packages, including picks, young stars, and salary flexibility. Because Milwaukee has already spent nearly all of its future draft capital, trading Giannis while his value is at its highest may be the most efficient way to reset the franchise and avoid mediocrity.
Forcing a league-wide bidding war is the most innovative possible approach if Milwaukee chooses to explore a trade. Once the Bucks make it known they are open for offers, nearly every contender and several rising teams would scramble to get to the front of the line. Such competition would naturally drive Giannis’s price even higher, ensuring the Bucks receive far more than if they settled for negotiations with one or two teams. A multi-team race for Giannis could potentially become one of the biggest trade markets in NBA history, benefiting Milwaukee at every stage of the process. This approach would also give the front office total control and leverage, maximizing the return and helping them shape the team’s next era.
Waiting too long, however, risks losing that leverage entirely. If the Bucks continue to hover below contender status and Giannis grows frustrated, the franchise could be forced to face the possibility that he signals he wants out later in his contract. At that point, teams would know Milwaukee has less power in negotiations and would offer far smaller trade packages. Additionally, the Bucks’ roster is trending downward, with spotty defense, aging pieces, slow perimeter play, and little bench depth, all of which limit Giannis’s ability to carry them deep into the postseason. Sitting still and hoping things magically improve could leave Milwaukee stuck with a declining team and a superstar whose value is shrinking by the day.
Trading Giannis does not automatically lead to a painful rebuild. With the right trade package, the Bucks could pivot into a meaningful retool centered on younger talent and renewed draft flexibility. The organization has spent several years prioritizing win-now moves, sacrificing long-term asset growth for veterans who helped them win but are no longer capable of elevating a roster in decline. Instead of clinging to a team that is no longer a real threat to the league’s top contenders, Milwaukee could instead cash in its most valuable asset to build a sustainable future. Taking control of their timeline now prevents years of uncertainty and positions the franchise for smarter, long-term success.
In conclusion, the Bucks must acknowledge a brutal truth: keeping Giannis on a declining, poorly balanced roster may ultimately harm the franchise more than benefit it in the long run. Even with a two-time MVP playing at an elite level, this Milwaukee team is far from contending, and there is no clear path to meaningful improvement. By starting a bidding war now, the Bucks could secure a massive return, regain flexibility, and avoid being forced into a weaker trade position later. Acting proactively, rather than waiting for the situation to deteriorate, is the best way to protect the organization’s future. Trading Giannis now may feel drastic, but it could ultimately put Milwaukee in the strongest possible position for years to come.
